Omagh, Dungannon and Strabane are among six areas which are to benefit from a £20m roads resurfacing project.
The Department for Infrastructure has announced that the three Co Tyrone towns would be included in a new resurfacing strategy, with a new contract being awarded after a legal dispute held the project up.
The first phase of the project is due to commence in July, with other areas including Cookstown set to be included in the next set of areas for roads resurfacing work. Magherafelt, Down and Newry and Mourne are the other areas to be included in the first phase.
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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.”
Party colleague and West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer said there was a backlog in road resurfacing projects in the area - and hopes that these will now be addressed in the months ahead.
“I am delighted and relieved that road resurfacing contracts for 6 areas, including Omagh and Strabane have now been awarded with work to get underway by the end of July,” McAleer said.
"Last year the Department had to re-run competitions after three unsuccessful tenderers issued a legal challenge. This had resulted in a total of 39 resurfacing schemes in the constituency being delayed leaving many local roads in a state of further disrepair.
“Ultimately, this resurfacing work will help improve road safety, cut down journey times as well reducing wear and tear to vehicles.”
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