Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced two road improvement schemes totalling over half a million pounds.
The resurfacing schemes, one of which gets underway today, are in counties Antrim and Tyrone.
The first scheme at the A6 Kilmakee Roundabout, Templepatrick, begins today and will be in operation until 18 February, at a cost of £383,000.
Meanwhile, a resurfacing scheme costing £125,000 at the B46 Dromore/Fintona Road in County Tyrone will begin next week on 27 January until 14 February.
This will include carriageway strengthening and resurfacing of 850 metres of the B46 Dromore/Fintona Road plus additional patching to strengthen the carriageway at various locations.
Minister O’Dowd said:
“The two schemes I am announcing today represent an investment of over £0.5m in our rural roads. This essential work demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is not only important for local residents and businesses, but for the overall economy too.
“I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while work on these essential road improvement schemes continues.”
Templepatrick, County Antrim
The improvement work in Templepatrick involves the resurfacing of the Kilmakee Roundabout and its immediate approaches.
The Infrastructure Minister said:
“This is a substantial investment for the Antrim area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to investing in and improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.
“This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of residents, businesses and those travelling in the Antrim area.
“Work is expected to be substantially completed by Wednesday 18 February 2025. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement various road closures and weekday lane closures which are planned as follows:
Road closure of A6 Antrim Road from Ballycraigy Road, Antrim to A57 Ballyrobbin Road, Templepatrick. This will be operational daily 09:30 to 16:30 from Mon 20 Jan 2025 to Fri 24 Jan 2025 (5 days). An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via the following route: A6 BELFAST ROAD, B518 BALLYCRAIGY ROAD, B95 GREYSTONE ROAD,B95 LOUGHANMORE ROAD, C28 LOUGHANMORE ROAD, C28 PARADISE WALK, A6 ANTRIM ROAD, A57 ANTRIM ROAD.
Lane closures on the roundabout and immediate approaches to facilitate kerbing works will be operational from Mon 20 Jan 2025 to Fri 7 Feb 2025.
Road closure of the roundabout and immediate approaches to facilitate surfacing prep work will be operational on Sat 8 Feb 2025 to Sun 9 Feb 2025 (2 days). Diversion as above.
Road closure from Ballycraigy Road, Antrim to A57 Ballyrobbin Road, Templepatrick. This will be operational Mon 10 Feb 2025 (1 day). Diversion as above.
Lane closures on the roundabout and immediate approaches to facilitate surfacing prep works will be operational from Mon 10 Feb 2025 to Fri 14 Feb 2025.
Road closure of the roundabout and immediate approaches to facilitate final surfacing work on the roundabout and A57 will be operational on Sat 15 Feb 2025 to Sun 16 Feb 2025 (2 days). Diversion as above.
Road closure of the A6 Antrim Road, as above, to allow final surfacing of the A6 roundabout approach will be operational on 17 Feb 2025 (1 day). Diversion as above.
Lane closures on the roundabout for final works, road markings etc. will be in place 17 Feb 2025 to 18 Feb 2025.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access and Translink bus and school services throughout the scheme, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Wednesday 18 February 2025, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
More information on the Co Tyrone scheme can be found here.
County Tyrone
The work includes carriageway strengthening and resurfacing of 850 metres of the B46 Dromore / Fintona Road plus additional patching to strengthen the carriageway at various locations.
Minister O’Dowd said:
“This is a substantial investment for the Dromore and Fintona areas which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.
“I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement road closures Monday to Friday between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, commencing on Monday 27 January 2025 for a three-week period.
Diversions will be signed as follows: Fintona bound traffic from Dromore via: A32 Omagh Rd, A32 Clanabogan Rd, Omagh, A5 Great Northern Road, B83 Seskinore Rd, B122 Tattyreagh Rd, Fintona
Dromore bound traffic via: B80 Tattymoyle Rd, C660 Tonnagh Rd, B46 Galbally Rd, Dromore.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience. However, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access throughout the scheme, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Friday 14th February 2025, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.