'It is recognised that there is more to do to improve and protect our vital road network' - DfI tells Mid Ulster Council members

Members of the Mid Ulster District Council have received an update from the Department for Infrastructure regarding road maintenance and improvement works in the council area, for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25.

During a meeting today (Thursday), Divisional Roads Manager Mr Daniel Healy addressed the council, stating: “Northern Ireland’s road network is our largest and most valuable strategic infrastructure asset delivering every day for people to go about their daily lives. It is recognised that there is more to do to improve and protect our vital road network and the Department is maximising its resources to deliver positive engineering impacts.

"The Department’s 2024/25 budget allocation is challenging however we will continue to prioritise essential frontline services. The opening Capital budget for structural maintenance is £89 million which falls significantly short of our funding requirements to allow for the most effective delivery of our priority resurfacing, roadside stability, and drainage projects. The Department has operated within a constrained Resource budget for many years which has meant the continuation of a Limited-Service policy for routine road maintenance activities such as defect repair, grass cutting, and gully emptying.”

Mr Healy acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2024-25 budget but affirmed the Department's commitment to advancing local transport, safety schemes, and maintenance programs aimed at improving road safety.

Mr Healy continued: “Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25.

“Over the next year, in the Mid Ulster area, we plan to take forward the construction of additional lane on Glenshane Road approach to Castledawson Roundabout to improve traffic progression and complete resurfacing schemes at numerous locations across the district, including the A4 Annaghillia Road, Ballygawley which started this week, and the A54, Ballymacombs Road, Portglenone which was completed earlier in the year, along with the completion of 160 lane kilometres of surface dressing.

“The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices particularly for shorter everyday journeys. The Department is developing a Northern Ireland wide Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance for Active Travel as well as network plans for our larger towns and cities. We aim to consult the public on this plan later in 2024. In the meantime, we are continuing to deliver improved Active Travel schemes and are preparing construction of a shared footway and cycle track at Granville Road, Dungannon, as well as on the Dungannon Road, Cookstown.”

Mr Healy added: “Earlier this month the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd announced the date for a Public Inquiry into the Cookstown Bypass Scheme. The A5 WTC is now in the process of Executive referral and it is anticipated that the Minister will soon be making an announcement on progression of the scheme. ”

In conclusion, Mr Healy said: “These projects the Department is delivering will bring significant benefits to both the local community and commuters throughout the Mid Ulster District Council area.”