‘Record number’ of road surfacing schemes completed in Cookstown

Danny Kennedy revealed at a meeting with Cookstown council last week that £3.6 million worth of schemes were completed in 2011/2012 year.

“Last year’s budget for structural maintenance and local transport and safety measures allowed a good range of such schemes to be successfully delivered by Roads Service,” said the Minister.

“Roads Service’s budgets for road maintenance and improvement schemes are greatly reduced this year, in line with the four year budget agreed by the Executive.

“However, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services,” he said.

The Minister noted Roads Service’s proposed programme for the year ahead including further roll out of the Safer Routes to School Programme to include Cookstown High School and Primary School.

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager Pat Doherty welcomed last year’s record expenditure on structural maintenance which allowed Roads Service to deliver many much needed projects.

Over 22 kilometres of resurfacing was completed in the Council area including the A29 Cookstown Road, Moneymore, the A505 Drum Road at Drum Manor and the B4 Pomeroy Road.

Road improvement schemes delivered last year included, the completion of a double right turning lane on the A505 Drum Road at Teebane, the upgrading of the existing footway on the U5009 Convent Road in Cookstown and the collision site remedial scheme on the B160/C564 Ballynargarn Road/Ballymaguire Road . The carriageway and bridge widening of the A505 Drum Road at Derryloran Bridge also commenced. A Street Lighting renewal scheme was also completed at Bridgend Road/Park in Coagh.