ALL THE major roadworks in the pipeline for the coming years across Fermanagh have been revealed.
Last week the Department of Infrastructure’s roads section presented it draft programme of works for 2019 -2021 to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. On first glance, it’s uplifting reading, with a number of major and much-needed projects and improvements planned. However, there is one major caveat.
All of these projects, which cover everything from major route realignments to small sections of minor roads, are dependent on funding. And with budgets tighter than ever, that funding is harder to secure than ever.
David McKinley, divisional roads manager, said the schemes had been identified by the public and local representatives, and took a number of factors into consideration including traffic volume and collision.
“You will appreciate out capacity to deliver schemes within this programme is dictated by the availability of funding and based on current funding levels it will only be possible to deliver a small number of these schemes over the 2019-2021 period,” he said.
“The division will however continue to bid for additional funding and plan ahead by developing schemes.”
As can been seen below, some of these projects have already begun, such as the Bellanaleck and Derrylin route, some footpath schemes have been granted funding, and some major and expensive projects, such as the Enniskillen bypass, may be a long time waiting to get the green light.
Below is an example of some of the planned work –
Carriageways
A509 between Bellanaleck and
Derrylin
Estimated cost: £1.2 million
According to the Department, the alignment on this narrow stretch of road is “substandard.” The proposed scheme will realign the 800m of carriageway in order to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and HGVs. The project is planned to be carried out in two phases, with the work expected to be completed by March next year.
Sightlines
Cavan Road/Derrgoas Road
Estimated cost: £25,000
The aim of this scheme is to improve visibility on the A3 Cavan Road at the junction of the U9146 Derrygoad Road in Newtownbutler.
Footpaths
Major’s Bridge, Maguiresbridge Road
Estimated cost: £75,000
There is currently no footpath on this bridge on the A34 route between Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge. The Department hopes to make the route safer for pedestrians by creating 30m of footway, linking it to the existing footpaths at the Lisnaskea Business Centre.
Traffic calming
Teemore Road
Estimated cost: £5,000
Part of this route is already within the 30mph zone, however recent speed surveys had shown many motorists are driving much faster past the primary school. This scheme will put measures in place to slow drivers down.
Draft Bridges Programme
Dernawilt Road
Estimated cost: £100,000
This bridge, approximately three miles from Donagh, does not currently meat loading standards and is in a poor condition. This scheme proposes to replace the bridge with a reinforced concrete culvert and provide masonry parapets.
Strategic road improvements
Enniskillen Southern Bypass
The first of two major roads projects planned by the Department in Fermanagh, the Enniskillen bypass is progressing, but remains dependent on funding.
A public consultation was held earlier this year, where locals had the chance to view the plans, and the responses to that are currently being considered and the issues raised are being addressed.
The Department has said it could soon be able to make direction on where the line road would be, so that it can be included in legislation and be protected in planning.
However, given the funding is not currently in place, that is the only commitment it can currently make.
See more in this week’s Fermanagh Herald.
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