Three road resurfacing contracts announced for Tyrone towns

INFRASTRUCTURE Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the awarding of road resurfacing contracts totalling an annual value of approximately £20million.

Phase One of the Department’s interim asphalt resurfacing procurement strategy, which consists of resurfacing contracts for three towns in Tyrone Omagh, Dungannon and Strabane. Three other towns were awarded contracts as well including Magherafelt, Newry and Mourne.

Work in these six areas is due to start towards the end of July.

The Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said, “This is welcome news and an important first step in improving road conditions in these six areas. I am pleased to announce this procurement exercise has been successful and that these contracts have now been awarded.

“This asphalt resurfacing work will make a significant difference to road safety and journey times, improving the lives of the people who live in these areas.

“The awarding of these contracts is an important development and I am delighted that we are one step closer to this important and much-needed work getting underway.”

Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has welcomed the awarding of the road resurfacing contract by the Department for Infrastructure for the Omagh area.

The West Tyrone MP said, “The maintenance and repair of our roads is a matter that I raise regularly with the Department for Infrastructure however concerns around the condition of rural roads in particular has increased over the last year.

“I am also aware that there have been challenges with the awarding of resurfacing contracts in that time for some areas including Omagh so this announcement is a positive development.

“This investment is much needed to improve the condition of many of our local roads which have been deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance.

“The awarding of the contracts brings us a step closer to increasing the safety of road users and with resurfacing work being scheduled towards the end of July, there will be progress on this in the short term.”