Natural gas drilling work underway in Magherafelt

SGN Natural Gas, which is extending the network into three counties, revealed that drilling will take place underneath the A31 Magherafelt Road, north of Moneymore which will avoid closing the main road.

However, a number of other temporary road and hard shoulder closures have been agreed in advance with Transport NI to enable work on the new infrastructure to be carried out safely and effectively.

The B18 Loup Road from Springhill Road junction to Maghadone Road junction will be closed for around seven weeks commencing from this week (January 28th) and diversions will be signposted.

David Butler, Head of Engineering with SGN Natural Gas, explained: “In order to bring the benefits of natural gas to the area and to ensure the safety of the general public and our operatives, we have agreed with Transport NI to operate a number of traffic management plans.”

“We would urge motorists who normally use the Loup Road, to allow more time for their journeys while diversions are in place, especially during peak times.

“As always, our contractors will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum but some temporary delays will be inevitable.”

Mr Butler explained that the decision to carry out the pipelaying work in Loup Road, in conjunction with ongoing traffic controls in the area, avoided closing the main carriageway from Moneymore to Magherafelt.

SGN Natural Gas stressed that local businesses, residents and transport providers such as Translink and school bus services had received advance notification of the arrangements and, essential community engagement was ongoing with local schools and sports clubs.

He added the works would bring long-term benefits to local businesses and homes.