Magherafelt.
The £40million A31 Magherafelt bypass in Co Derry has been given the go-ahead by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy.
Funding for the scheme was approved in July last year and Minister Kennedy has announced the making of the necessary Vesting Order and commencement of procurement for the project.
Construction of the scheme will provide approximately six kilometres of new carriageway between the A31 Moneymore Road at Coolshinney Road, south west of Magherafelt, and the A6 at Castledawson Roundabout, north east of Magherafelt.
It will incorporate a number of roundabouts, under-bridges and dual acceleration lanes.
Subject to successful procurement, the scheme is programmed to commence later this year with construction expected to take 20 months to complete.
Minister Kennedy said: “The A31 provides the key transport route between Cookstown, Moneymore, Magherafelt and Belfast.
“The provision of a new bypass will generate a number of benefits for road users helping to reduce congestion, improve journey times and road safety in Magherafelt.
“The section of the A31 through Magherafelt currently carries approximately 25,000 vehicles per day (Broad Street) and is an important link for business, commuters, local residents and tourism.”
The Minister added: “In the current economic climate, this announcement of the A31 scheme proceeding will be welcome news for the construction sector. The scheme should lead to an increase in demand for local construction material, as well as a boost to commercial trade and the construction industry in the surrounding area.”
