O’Dowd announces £260,000 resurfacing scheme for A5 Victoria Rd

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a £260,000 road improvement scheme will commence on the A5 Victoria Road, Strabane.

The scheme which will commence on Tuesday, November 5 2024 is part of a £1million package of measures to improve safety on the existing A5.

The resurfacing works will extend from north of the junction with Ash Avenue for a distance of 400 metres and will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface quality of this road.

Minister O’Dowd said, “While work is ongoing to progress the upgrade of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme I have been clear that I am committed to doing what I can to improve safety on the existing road.  I have allocated just over £1million this year for a package of measures and this £260,000 scheme for the A5 Victoria Road is part of the improvement works being delivered.

“This significant investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out and I would urge everyone to slow down and exercise caution when travelling in the vicinity of the works.”

To help ensure the safety of those using the road and to facilitate the first phase of the works it will be necessary to operate a lane closure on the A5 Victoria Road, between Ash Avenue and Grangefoyle Road between the hours of 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. This phase will commence on Tuesday, November 5 until Friday, November 8 2024.

The second phase will require a full road closure and will commence on Saturday 9 November through to Sunday, November 10 2024 between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

During the road closure a signed diversionary route will be in place. Northbound traffic will be diverted off the A5 at Strabane onto the A38 and through Lifford onto the A40 Foyle Road Londonderry. South bound traffic will be diverted off at Newbuildings via the B48 to Donemana and onto the B49 to Artigarvan.

All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.

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

In order to help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with extra care when travelling in the vicinity of the works.