Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the Minister for Regional Development’s announcement to proceed with the A31 Magherafelt Bypass Scheme.
Mrs Overend, who is the Assembly Private Secretary for the Minister for Regional Development, said,
“I am delighted that the Minister for Regional Development has announced that the Magherafelt Bypass Scheme is to go ahead, following announcements regarding its funding last year. The bypass will provide around 6km of new carriageway between the Castledawson roundabout and the A31 Moneymore Road at Coolshinney Road.
“As well as a vital boost for the construction industry in Mid-Ulster, with knock-on benefits for local suppliers of construction materials, the new bypass will benefit road users in the Mid-Ulster area, as the bypass will improve travel times and reduce congestion on this key this key transport route.”
Mrs Overend continued,
“The A31, which connects Cookstown, Moneymore and Magherafelt to the A6 Transport corridor and the M2 to Belfast provides an important link for businesses, commuters local residents, and those coming to the area to visit.
“Subject to successful procurement, work is planned to start in late 2014, and is expected to take around 20 months to complete.”