McIlveen views progress on Magherafelt bypass

The six kilometre scheme represents an investment of £35million by the Northern Ireland Executive and entails the construction of a single carriageway, with sections of 2+1 overtaking lanes, as well as a number of bridges and new roundabouts. Work is being carried out by BAM/McCann Joint Venture.

To date, around 75% of the earth works have been completed which required almost 500,000 tonnes of material to be moved. The installation of the drainage culverts are also almost completed and half of the permanent fencing has been erected. The construction of the farm underpasses and overbridges along the route are also progressing well.

The Minister said: ‘I have been very impressed by the progress of the work on this important scheme which, once completed, will benefit Magherafelt and all those who travel along this busy route. The contract for this major project is currently contributing over £1 million per month into the local economy. It has also helped to secure jobs in the local construction industry and will contribute towards the economic development of the Mid-Ulster area. The bypass scheme aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion and thereby improve Magherafelt town centre environment and improve journey times.’

New roundabouts will be provided where the new road bisects the Ballyronan and Aughrim roads and all other side roads will be bridged over.

The bypass is due to be completed by October 2016.

Notes to editors:

1. The A31 is a strategically important route which links the West Tyrone and Mid Ulster areas to the M2, Belfast and the north east carrying around 17,500 vehicles per day.
2. The contract to construct the bypass was awarded to a joint venture of FP McCann and BAM in February 2015.
3. In line with the contract’s social clauses, the contractor is employing students, apprentices and trainees and will shortly be employing previously unemployed people.