Despite the ongoing infrastructure works, Dungannon town centre remains very much open for business - thats the key message from stakeholders and local business in the town.
With motorists, residents and businesses across Dungannon being urged to plan ahead as a major programme of gas network infrastructure works continues throughout August, businesses in the town centre remain unaffected by the disruption.
Evolve, the gas network operator for the west of Northern Ireland, has confirmed the next phase of its investment in Dungannon, with construction works expanding across several key routes in the town as part of plans to increase network capacity and enable more properties to connect to its gas infrastructure.
Work has already commenced at Northland Row, Northland Place and Ranfurly Road, while a one-way closure remains in place on Donaghmore Road as engineering teams progress the latest stage of the project.
The infrastructure programme is expected to extend into a number of town centre locations over the coming weeks, with traffic management measures including road closures, diversions and one-way systems being introduced to facilitate the works.
Among the most significant traffic changes will be at Church Street, where a full road closure is scheduled for early August. Motorists will be directed along a signed diversion route via Scotch Street, Railway Road, Milltown Road, Wellington Road and Ranfurly Road. Access for deliveries will continue to be maintained through designated footpath routes.
A one-way closure is also planned for Perry Street, with traffic restricted from Northland Row. Drivers travelling from Ranfurly Road will be directed through Northland Row, Circular Road and Thomas Street. Access to Perry Street Car Park will remain available via Park Road, which will also serve as the designated route for deliveries.
Further works are planned at a number of locations throughout August, including Anne Street, Park Road, Victoria Road, William Street, Barrack Street, John Street and Greers Road.
Under the proposed traffic management arrangements:
- Anne Street will maintain two-way traffic flow.
- Park Road will operate under a one-way closure with diversions in place.
- Victoria Road will maintain one-way traffic flow.
- William Street will be subject to a one-way closure and diversion.
- Barrack Street will maintain one-way traffic flow.
- John Street will operate under a one-way closure with diversions.
- Greers Road will also be subject to a one-way closure and diversion route.
Evolve has stressed that construction schedules remain subject to change depending on progress on-site, with all diversion routes clearly signposted throughout the duration of the works.
The company is encouraging residents, businesses and commuters to allow extra travel time and monitor updates through the dedicated roadworks section of its website.
Once completed, the network enhancements are expected to significantly increase capacity across Dungannon, allowing additional homes and businesses to connect to the gas network and benefit from what Evolve describes as a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
Mark Davidson, Head of Engineering at Evolve, said the company appreciated the support shown by the local community during the project.
"As works get underway, we would like to thank the Dungannon community for their continued patience and cooperation.
"We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum and encourage motorists to plan ahead and check our website for the latest updates.
"These works represent an important step in enhancing local infrastructure and we look forward to bringing the benefits of our state-of-the-art gas network to more homes and businesses across Dungannon."
The latest phase of works represents a significant investment in Dungannon's energy infrastructure and is aimed at supporting future growth across both the residential and business sectors while expanding access to the town's gas network.
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