Work on £250,000 bridge road widening scheme underway
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
A ROAD widening scheme to alleviate a traffic bottleneck in Cookstown has commenced.
Work has started on the widening of Derryloran Bridge at Drum Road, situated on the outskirts of the town near Blackhill.
The cost of the scheme is estimated at around £250,000 and will involve the removal of part of Derryloran Old Graveyard.
There was controversy last year when local historians expressed concern over the removal of remains at the Old Graveyard.
A special Public Meeting was held in the town, when concerns were allayed after DRD representatives said monitoring equipment had detected no remains in the area where the widening scheme will take place.
The narrow Derryloran Bridge is notorious for traffic bottlenecks.
According to the DRD the carriageway and footway at this location are narrow which creates a hazard for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
It is planned to widen Derryloran Bridge on the south side to provide a 7.3metre wide carriageway and two metre wide footways.
Preparatory work is currently taking place. When the bridge has been widened, the southern footway will be extended to connect with the existing footway at the Sweep Road junction. This will enhance the safety and driving environment for pedestrians and vehicles.
On being contacted by the Courier a Roads Service spokesperson confirmed that work had started on the Derryloran Bridge widening scheme.
The spokesperson told the Courier: "The work is essential to create a better and safer environment for all road users and is likely to last for around six months.
“During this time some unavoidable disruption to traffic is expected.
Lane closures will be required and temporary traffic controls will be in operation.
Any closures or diversion routes will be advertised well in advance."
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