Mid-Ulster Ulster Unionists Sandra Overend MLA and Councillor Trevor Wilson have welcomed an announcement by the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy of a major improvement scheme to the A29 Dungannon Road, Cookstown. The £350,000 scheme involves major resurfacing and road safety works, including right turn lanes and a footway for pedestrians.
Mrs Overend, who is the Assembly Private Secretary to the Regional Development Minister, commented:
“I am very happy to welcome the announcement from the Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy MLA, that there will be further significant investment for roads in Mid-Ulster. This £350,000 scheme will improve road safety along the main road linking Dungannon and Cookstown.
“The work is due to begin on 16 February 2015 at the junctions of Annagh Road, Desertcreat Road and Tullyard road and includes the provision of right turn lanes and resurfacing. It is due to be completed by mid-April.
“This work builds on the success of the provision of double right turning lanes for the Killygarvan Road and Tullylagan Road, which were completed last year. As part of that scheme, the hard shoulders along this section of the road were required to be removed. Whilst this work was widely welcomed by road users, a number of constituents that reside in the area were concerned that the removal of the hard shoulders left them unable to walk along the road, particularly for those accessing the village of Donaghey.
“After making representation to Transport NI (formerly Roads Service) alongside my council colleagues on behalf of constituents, it has been agreed that a footpath will be provided as part of this work. I commend the Minister for listening to people in the area and adjusting the scheme to help pedestrians and this announcement will be warmly welcomed by local residents.”
Cookstown Councillor Trevor Wilson said:
“This is very welcome news and brings the total spend announced by the Minister to around £800k in the Cookstown District over the next few months.
“This work on a main arterial route will improve safety for both vehicle drivers and pedestrians and is much needed.
“Whilst appreciating that there are a number of minor roads in the district that need attention, the fact that the Minister has found money from within his Capital budget for this scheme is to be welcomed.
Minister Danny Kennedy said:
“This scheme will greatly improve the safety at the junctions and improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway between Cookstown and Dungannon. A new footway will be included to provide a safe area for pedestrians as they access to the bus stop.”