3 Evolution and Description of the Routes

Preferred Options Report Scheme Assessment Report 2

3.1 Route Evolution 3.1.1 Development Methodology – Preferred Corridor to Routes Following announcement of the Preferred Corridor, the development of the Route Options was carried out in four principal steps as described below, and shown in flow chart in Figure 3-1 overleaf:

1) Develop Route Options within the Preferred Corridor avoiding, where possible, significant constraints;

2) Present these Route Options to the public at a series of public consultation events and obtain comment;

3) Carry out initial assessments of the Route Options. Eliminate areas where Routes cannot easily be developed;

4) Develop Routes within the retained lengths of Route Options and undertake full length scheme assessments.

In the Preliminary Options Report the scheme was split into three sections to aid in defining the Preferred Corridor and similarly these three sections have been used in further assessments. The three sections are:-

• Section1: New Buildings to South of Strabane

• Section2: South of Strabane to South of Omagh

• Section 3: South of Omagh to Aughnacloy.

In developing the Route Options the continuity between Sections 1 and 2 and Sections 2 and 3 was an important factor requiring close liaison.

The DMRB design standards provide the parameters that can be used to design roads. To maintain consistency throughout the scheme the following key alignment design parameters were defined and used:-

• Design speed of 120kph;

• Side slopes at 1:3 for cuttings and embankments;

• No departures to or relaxation of standards;

• Vertical alignment to suit natural drainage pathways for surface water runoff;

• Maintain existing road network wherever possible;

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• Aim to achieve an earthworks balance within each Section;

• Ensure proper connectivity with the strategic road network (including A5/A6 link, N14/N15 interchange and the N2) and major settlements.

The Constraints database is considerable and there is a need to define a high level list of assumptions by which the Route option development can proceed. Therefore the following assumptions have been made for Route Option development:-

• Avoid residential properties wherever possible, then commercial properties followed by agricultural buildings;

• Avoid designated sites/buildings in the hierarchy of International, European, UK, NI and finally local importance;

• Avoid areas where a combination of minor constraints would result in significant impacts;

• Avoid areas of alluvial/peat materials which may also be flood plains and require expensive construction;

• Avoid flood plains where mitigation by compensatory area would not be readily achievable.

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Preferred Corridor identified

Review aerial photographs and update constraints information

Review constraints to eliminate areas where Route Options cannot be developed

Identify and develop Route Options

Public Consultation February 2009

Undertake initial Route Option assessments and consider public/stakeholder comments

Develop Routes within retained sections

Determine full length sectional Routes, and undertake further assessments

Recommend a Preferred Route

Ministerial Announcement

Preferred Route Exhibition – July 09

Figure 3-1: Preferred Route Development Methodology

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3.2 Description of Route Options 3.2.1 Section 1 Within Section 1, the width of the Preferred Corridor varies between 0.8km at its narrowest point north of Ballymagorry and 3.0km, at its widest point around Strabane. In order to fully evaluate and assess the Preferred Corridor, the following Route Options were developed:

• Brown: Follows a path along the western side of the Preferred Corridor;

• Pink: Follows a path close to the existing A5 where possible;

• Green: Follows a path along the eastern side of the Preferred Corridor;

• Blue: Follows a path made up of a combination of the Brown, Pink and Green Route Options.

An important feature of all Route Options in Section 1 is the connectivity of the strategic road across the border into Co Donegal. Planned development of the strategic road network in Co Donegal includes upgrading the N14 and N15 roads to dual carriageway standard with a terminal roundabout junction southwest of Lifford. All Route Options for Section 1 include a dual carriageway link to this terminal junction.

These Route Options are shown on drawing numbers 796036-0800-D-10101 and 10102 in Volumes 2 and are described in more detail below.

The location of the northern termination junction will be influenced by the on-going studies regarding the A5/A6 link. It is expected that the A5 dual carriageway will terminate just south of New Buildings and that a single carriageway standard road will be provided to bypass New Buildings. To fully assess the potential benefits of a bypass of New Buildings, two Route Options provided for a single carriageway bypass leading into a dual carriageway at a junction south of New Buildings. Two further Route Options commenced at this junction south of New Buildings to enable a direct comparison of the benefits of the single carriageway bypass.

Brown Route Option This option is the most westerly, commencing at New Buildings. It is proposed to locate a junction at New Buildings to provide a connection with the existing A5.

Heading south, the option remains west of the existing A5 bypassing Magheramason, Meenagh Hill, Gortmessan, Drumgauty, Grange Foyle and Drumenny thereby avoiding severance of settlements where possible. At Ballydonaghy, the route crosses the Burn Dennet River and skirts around woodland in Leckpatrick before crossing the Glenmornan River.

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The Brown Route Option continues south, bypassing Ballymagorry to the west and then crosses the disused Strabane Canal heading towards Strabane. It is proposed to locate a junction north of Strabane to provide a connection with the existing A5.

The Brown Route Option passes over the A38 Lifford Road before crossing the Mourne River and continues south to the west of Strabane running in close proximity to the River Finn. It is proposed to locate a junction west of Strabane to facilitate the crossing to the Republic of Ireland and access to Strabane. This Route Option then continues and terminates south of Strabane at a proposed junction, near the existing A5. The Brown Route Option is approximately 21km in length and crosses 22 minor roads.

Pink Route Option This Route Option commences at New Buildings. It is proposed to locate a junction at New Buildings to provide a connection with the existing A5. As it continues south, the Route Option bypasses Magheramason and Meenagh Hill to the west avoiding severance of the settlements.

At Tamnabrady, the Pink Route Option crosses the existing A5 heading east and continues south bypassing Bready to the east. North of Magherareagh, the option crosses the existing A5 to the west, bypassing Drumenny. It crosses the Burn Dennet River at Ballydonaghy and bypasses Leckpatrick before crossing the Glenmornan River.

The option continues south, bypassing Ballymagorry. It is proposed to locate a junction north of Strabane to provide a connection with the existing A5. South of the junction, the Route Option crosses the disused canal and heads towards the A38 Lifford roundabout adjacent to the Mourne River.

It is proposed to locate a junction in this vicinity to facilitate all traffic movements, including links to the existing A38 crossing of the River Foyle. South of the Mourne River the Route Option utilises the existing A5 footprint for approximately 1km before swinging to the south east to a point northwest of Sion Mills which links into Section 2. It is proposed to locate a junction immediately south west of Strabane to include a link to the Republic of Ireland via a new River Finn crossing.

Immediately north of Sion Mills a junction is proposed to provide connectivity to the existing A5 and local side road network.

The Pink Route Option is approximately 22km in length plus 1.35km of link road to the ROI and crosses 23 minor roads.

Green Route Option This is the most easterly Route Option commencing at New Buildings. It is proposed to locate a junction at New Buildings to provide a connection with the existing A5. It continues southwards passing to the east of Magheramason. The Route Option

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continues south via Tamnakeery, Tamnabrady and Bready. At Magherareagh it crosses the Burn Dennet River. It then runs towards the south-east of Loughneas crossing over the Glenmornan River and heads between Ballymagorry and Artigarvan.

The option continues in a southerly direction bypassing Ballymagorry, crossing over the B49 Berryhill Road and runs parallel to Strabane Glen for a short length. It is proposed to locate a junction north of Strabane with provision made for the Green Route Option to link to the existing A5 providing access to the north of Strabane via an upgrade to the B49 Berryhill Road. The Route Option then passes via Castletown and Calheme, runs east of Strabane and crosses the Cavanalee River in Pattens Glen. The option continues south to cross the Mourne River.

The Green Route Option extends to the south of Strabane into a proposed junction, near the existing A5, from which a link road is proposed to connect to the Republic of Ireland via a new River Finn crossing.

The Green Route Option is approximately 22km plus 3.3km of link road to the ROI and crosses 32 minor roads throughout its length.

Blue Route Option The Blue Route Option is a combination of the Brown, Pink and Green Route Options. From a point at New Buildings, the option approaches a proposed junction south of New Buildings which would provide a connection with the existing A5. It continues south bypassing Magheramason to the west before crossing over the existing A5 to the east at Bready.

South of Bready, the Route Option then turns to the south west, crossing the existing A5 and Burn Dennet River. South of the Burn Dennet River, the Route Option heads towards the south west of Ballymagorry passing through Leckpatrick and over the Glenmornan River. It is proposed to locate a junction to the north of Strabane providing connection to the existing A5 and access to Strabane. From this point the Route Option continues towards the east of Strabane running parallel to Strabane Glen.

South of the Spout Road, the Route Option changes direction towards the south west crossing over the Cavanalee River and further south crosses the Mourne River. The Blue Route Option extends to the south of Strabane into a proposed junction, near the existing A5, from which a link road is proposed to connect to the Republic of Ireland via a new River Finn crossing.

The Blue Route Option is approximately 23km plus 3.1km of link road to the ROI and crosses 23 minor roads throughout its length.

3.2.2 Section 2 Within Section 2, the width of the Preferred Corridor varies between 0.7km at its narrowest point to the west of Victoria Bridge and 3.4km at its widest point to the

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south of Mountjoy. In order to fully evaluate and assess the Preferred Corridor, the following Route Options were developed:

• Brown: Follows a path along the western side of the Preferred Corridor;

• Pink: Follows a path close to the existing A5 where possible;

• Green : Follows a path approximately down the centre of the Preferred Corridor;

• Blue: Follows a path to the eastern side of the Preferred Corridor.

These Route Options can be found on drawing 796036-0800-D-20101 to 796036- 0800-D-20102 in Volume 3 and are described in more detail below.

Brown Route Option This Route Option commences to the north-west of Glebe, following the western side of the Preferred Corridor. At the crossing with the B165, it is proposed to locate a junction to provide access for Sion Mills to the east and Clady to the west. The Route Option passes west of Seein with a junction proposed at the B72 to provide access to the existing A5 and Victoria Bridge to the east, and Castlederg to the west.

The Route Option continues south towards Ardstraw before skirting south of Wood Hills. It is proposed to locate a junction with the B84 which would provide access to Newtownstewart and the existing A5 to the east and Drumquin to the west, before it crosses the lower slopes of Bessy Bell.

The Brown Route Option continues to follow the western edge of the Preferred Corridor passing to the west of Mountjoy and Gillygooly. To the south of Gillygooly the option crosses the B50, where it is proposed to locate a junction to provide access to the existing A5 and the north of Omagh.

The Route Option continues south and crosses the A32 to the west of Omagh where it is proposed to locate a junction to provide a link to Omagh to the east and Dromore to the west. The option passes Omagh approximately 2.5km west from the town extents. The length of the Brown Route Option is approximately 34km and crosses 47 minor roads.

Pink Route Option This Route Option passes between Sion Mills and Glebe. It generally follows the eastern boundary of the Preferred Corridor until crossing the existing A5 south of Victoria Bridge where a junction is proposed.

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To the north of Newtownstewart the Route Option connects to the existing Newtownstewart bypass and a proposed junction would be provided to connect to Deerpark Road and the existing A5.

South of Newtownstewart the Pink Route Option continues to follow the eastern extent of the Preferred Corridor passing east of Grange Wood. A junction is proposed south of Newtownstewart to provide connection to the existing A5.

Continuing to Poe Bridge, to the north of Omagh, the Route Option follows the existing A5 corridor, maintaining the existing road for local traffic and access. The Route Option diverts away from the existing A5 north of Poe Bridge, on the outskirts of Omagh. A junction is proposed in this location to provide access to the existing A5 and north Omagh.

This Route Option runs closest to Omagh of all the Route Options in Section 2. There is a proposed junction with the A32 to facilitate access to Omagh in the east, and Dromore in the west. The length of the Pink Route Option is approximately 32km, and crosses 43 minor roads.

Green Route Option This Route Option passes between Sion Mills and Glebe. A junction is proposed with the B72, which would link back to the existing A5 for access to Sion Mills, Victoria Bridge, and Castlederg.

The Green Route Option passes to the north of Wood Hills before heading south and passing Newtownstewart to the west. A junction is proposed with the B84 enabling access to Newtownstewart and Drumquin.

The Green Route Option passes to the west of Mountjoy and Tully Bog SAC before passing close to the hamlet of Gillygooly. A junction is proposed with the B50, linking to Omagh in the east and Drumquin in the west.

Around Omagh, the Green Route Option is approximately 2km from the town extents. A junction is proposed with the A32 linking Omagh to the east and Dromore to the west. The Green Route Option crosses 55 minor roads, and is approximately 32km in length.

Blue Route Option The Blue Route Option passes between Sion Mills and Glebe, initially following the path of the Pink Route Option until crossing the River Mourne south of Victoria Bridge. A junction is proposed in this location to provide access to the existing A5.

The Route Option passes to the north of Newtownstewart and then crosses the River Strule, to the east of the existing crossing. A junction is proposed with the existing A5 at the southern end of the existing bypass.

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The Route Option then passes to the west of Grange Wood ASSI continues along the lower slopes of Bessy Bell, before crossing the existing A5 and passing east of Mountjoy. A junction with the existing A5 is proposed to the north of Poe Bridge facilitating access to the existing A5 and Omagh.

The Blue Route Option passes around the west side of Omagh, further away from the development limits compared to the Pink Route Option. A junction is proposed with the existing A32 to provide a link to Omagh in the east and Dromore to the west. The Blue Route Option crosses 42 minor roads with a length of approximately 32km.

3.2.3 Section 3 Within Section 3, the width of the Preferred Corridor is generally 3km wide. The corridor increases to approximately 4.5km in the central section where it splits in two to avoid secondary constraints including Garvaghy Big Hill with its associated topographical and archaeological features. The corridor splits again at the southern end to pass either side of Aughnacloy allowing possible options to be considered east and west of the town.

In order to evaluate and assess as much of the width of the Preferred Corridor as possible, four Route Options were developed as follows:

• Brown: Follows the western boundary of the Preferred Corridor;

• Green: Follows a path along the western side of the Preferred Corridor but to the east of the Brown Route Option;

• Blue: Follows a path generally down the centre of the Preferred Corridor crossing over the existing A5 at various locations and crossing to the east of the Preferred Corridor south of Ballygawley;

• Pink: Follows a path along the eastern side of the Preferred Corridor. A link has been included to provide the opportunity to transfer from the Pink Route Option to the Green Route Option north of the split in the Preferred Corridor. The description of this alternative will be covered by the Pink and Green Route Option descriptions.

An important feature of all Route Options in Section 3 is the connectivity of the strategic road across the border to the N2 into County Monaghan. The NRA and Monaghan County Council are currently assessing the feasibility of upgrading the N2 to a high quality strategic road in line with the aim of providing a high quality road between Dublin and the North West of the island. All Route Options for Section 3 take cognisance of the future cross border connectivity of the strategic road network and the trans-boundary effects of each option.

These Route Options can be found on drawing numbers 796036-0800-D-30101 and 796036-0800-D-30102 in Volume 4 and are described in more detail below.

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Brown Route Option The Brown Route Option stays very close to the western edge of the Preferred Corridor for the majority of its length and does not cross the existing A5. At the northern end of Section 3 a junction is proposed at the B122 Tattyreagh Road.

The option heads south eastwards near Tullyrush and passes to the west of Moylagh. The option continues south eastwards staying to the west of Newtownsaville before crossing high ground west of Beltany Hill.

The option then swings eastwards to cross over the A4 at Annaghilla Bridge. A junction is proposed at this location to provide a link to the A4 and the existing A5 to the east of the Preferred Corridor. The Brown Route Option then swings to the south to cross the A28 at Garvey and terminating at the River Blackwater. A junction is proposed at the A28 which provides access to Aughnacloy in the east. This Route Option crosses 27 minor roads and is the shortest of the four Route Options at approximately 25km in length.

The Brown Route Option crosses the border approximately 3.5km west of the existing (A5/N2) border crossing at Moy Bridge.

Green Route Option The Green Route Option commences in the centre of the Preferred Corridor stays close to the Brown Route Option passing to the west of Moylagh.

At the northern end of Section 3 it is proposed to locate a junction near the B122, Tattyreagh Road south of Omagh.

The Option continues south eastwards passing to the east of poor ground adjacent to the Routing Burn, east of Newtownsaville weaving between high ground and peat bog at Beltany Hill and passing to the north of woodland as it approaches the A4 at Tullybryan.

A junction is proposed at this location to provide a link to the A4 and the existing A5 to the east of the Preferred Corridor. The Green Route Corridor continues to run approximately parallel to the Brown Route Option widening immediately north of the A4 allowing for the development of options that can pass east or west of Aughnacloy.

The option then crosses the A4 at which point it turns southwards staying to the west of Aughnacloy and passing to the east of high ground at Garvey before terminating at the River Blackwater. A junction is proposed at the A28 to the west of Aughnacloy. This Route Option crosses 31 minor roads and is approximately 26km in length.

The Green Route Option crosses the border approximately 2.2km west of the existing (A5/N2) border crossing at Moy Bridge.

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Blue Route Option The Blue Route Option commences in the centre of the Preferred Corridor at the same location as the Green Route Option staying to the south of a large area of peat before swinging eastwards to cross over the existing A5. At the northern end of Section 3 it is proposed to locate a junction near the B122, Tattyreagh Road south of Omagh.

The option stays to the north east of the A5 bypassing Gortaclare before crossing to the southern side of the A5 and traversing to the southern side of the Preferred Corridor staying to the north of Newtownsaville.

The option continues south-eastwards along the same alignment as the Green Route Option weaving between high ground and peat bog at Beltany Hill and passing to the north of woodland as it approaches the A4 at Tullybryan. A junction is proposed at this location to provide a link to the A4 and the existing A5 to the east of the Preferred Corridor.

The Route Option then continues south eastwards through Black Hill crossing once again to the northern edge of the Preferred Corridor and the northern side of the A5. The Route Option then crosses the northern edge of the Aughnacloy Golf Course and swings around the eastern side of Aughnacloy to its termination at the River Blackwater. A junction is proposed at the A28 to the east of Aughnacloy. This Route Option crosses 35 minor roads and is approximately 30km in length.

The Blue Route Option crosses the border approximately 0.9km east of the existing (A5/N2) border crossing at Moy Bridge.

Pink Route Option The Pink Route Option stays close to the eastern edge of the Preferred Corridor and close to the alignment of the existing A5 for the majority of its length.

The Route Option commences at the B83 (Seskinore Road) and then passes eastwards crossing an area of peat between the B83 and A5. It is proposed to locate a junction where the option crosses the existing A5.

The option then turns south eastwards staying to the east of the existing A5 bypassing Gortaclare. The option continues south east past Garvaghy and Ballymackilroy before crossing the A5 again at Tullylinton passing to the west of Ballygawley to the A4.

A junction is proposed at this location to provide a link with the A4 (main east-west option) and the existing A5 to the east of the Preferred Corridor. From the A4 the Route Option continues south eastwards passing to the south of Aughnacloy Golf Course before rounding the eastern side of Aughnacloy to its termination at the River Blackwater. A junction is proposed at the A28 to the east of Aughnacloy. The Pink Route Option crosses 28 minor roads and is approximately 29km in length.

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The Pink Route Option crosses the border approximately 0.5km east of the existing (A5/N2) border crossing at Moy Bridge.

3.3 Initial Route Option Assessment As part of the assessment process, the route options presented at the February 2009 Public Consultation Events were appraised in consideration of comments received from the public and key stakeholders and against the four criteria of engineering, environment, economics and traffic to assist in the development of routes to be taken forward for Stage 2 Assessment.

3.3.1 Section 1 The initial Route Option assessment for Section 1 is summarised in Table 3.1, with the effect on the Route Options described below. Please refer also to drawings 796036-0800-D-10103 and 10104 in Volume 2.

Brown Route Option It was considered that Routes should not be developed south of the Glenmornan River to a point west (and south) of Strabane within the Brown Route Option on the grounds of impact on the River Foyle and Tributaries SAC, River Foyle floodplain and the costs associated with an appropriate structure required to mitigate these impacts. South of Strabane the Brown Route Option was not developed further on the grounds of poor traffic transfer from the existing A5 and poor connectivity to the south of Strabane. To the north of the Glenmornan River it was considered that the routes should be developed within the Brown Route Option.

Green Route Option It was considered that Routes should be developed within the Green Route Option, with due consideration while recognising key issues associated with landscape and ecological impacts associated with a new road corridor, particularly around Strabane.

Pink Route Option It was considered that Routes should be developed within the Pink Route Option, with due consideration for the engineering and severance issues associated with the existing road corridor through Strabane.

Blue Route Option It was considered that Routes should be developed south of the Glenmornan River within the Blue Route Option, with due consideration for the landscape and ecological impacts associated with a new road corridor, particularly around Strabane.

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Table 3-1: Initial assessment table for Section 1 exhibition Route Options

EXHIBITION ROUTE OPTION CRITERIA BROWN GREEN PINK BLUE

Follows existing A5 corridor, west Follows existing A5 corridor, west of Description Hugs western edge of Preferred Hugs eastern edge of Preferred of Magheramason, east of Bready, Magheramason, east of Bready Corridor Corridor west of Ballymagorry and through before heading round Strabane to Strabane. the east Less than desirable vertical alignment as Potentially significant earthworks local Vertical alignment and horizontal Both vertical and horizontal alignments it needs to be above the floodplains of to Magheramason. Less than desirable alignments are desirable. Need to are adequate north of the Glenmornan River Foyle generating significant vertical alignment around Strabane implement reduced cross section via River. Less than desirable vertical ENGINEERING earthworks Glen and Pattens Glen generating re-use of through pass. alignment around Strabane Glen and significant earthworks. Requires 3.3km Pattens Glen generating significant Significant structure required to span length of link to ROI. earthworks. Requires 3.1km of link to floodplain ROI.

High risk of impact on River Foyle Creates a new road corridor with Broadly follows existing A5 corridor. Broadly follows existing A5 corridor to Floodplain and SAC. High risk of impact associated landscape and visual Strabane. on bird populations utilising the Foyle intrusion across valleys and high Community severance constraints Floodplain. ground. and opportunities through Strabane. Runs parallel to the entire length of ENVIRONMENT Strabane Glen ASSI, crosses Pattens Potential impact on McKeans Moss ASSI Runs parallel to Strabane Glen ASSI. Glen and Cavanalee River, Crosses Pattens Glen and Cavanalee significant landscape and ecological Landscape and visual intrusion south of River – potentially significant impacts. Glenmornan River due to structure in landscape and ecological impacts. floodplain landscape. Adequate transfer of traffic from existing Adequate transfer of traffic from existing Adequate transfer of traffic from Adequate transfer of traffic from existing A5 at New Buildings. A5 at New Buildings. Access to existing A5 at New Buildings A5 at New Buildings. Access to TRAFFIC & Adequate transfer of traffic from existing Strabane only possible from north and Strabane only possible from north and A5 north of Strabane. Good connectivity south of the town, poor connectivity to Good connectivity/access to Strabane south of the town, poor connectivity to ECONOMICS to ROI via the N14 centre of Strabane. and ROI centre of Strabane. Poor connectivity to the southwest of Strabane.

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3.3.2 Section 2 The initial Option assessment for Section 2 is summarised in Table 3.2, with the effect on the Route Options described below. Please refer also to drawings 796036- 0800-D-20103 and 20104 in Volume 3.

Brown Route Option It was considered that Routes should not be developed entirely within the Brown Route Option on the grounds of poor transfer of traffic from the existing A5, and poor connectivity to Omagh and South Strabane/Sion Mills. Any further development of routes should duly consider the landscape and visual and impacts particularly between Newtownstewart and Omagh.

Green Route Option It was considered that Routes should not be developed south of Mountjoy due to poor connectivity to Omagh. Routes developed within the remainder of the Route Option should duly consider the landscape, visual and heritage impacts west of Newtownstewart, and engineering constraints south of the Town.

Pink Route Option It was considered that Routes should be developed within the Pink Route Option.

Blue Route Option It was considered that Routes should be developed within the Blue Route Option, except around Newtownstewart due to the following engineering and environmental issues: • Heavily skewed crossing of the River Mourne SAC • Impact on the setting of the AONB. • Impacts on Grange Wood ASSI. • Skewed crossing of the River Strule SAC and the existing A5 east of Newtownstewart • Disproportionate volume of excavation south of Newtownstewart.

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Table 3-2: Initial assessment table for Section 2 exhibition Route Option

EXHIBITION ROUTE OPTION CRITERIA

BROWN GREEN PINK BLUE

Follows existing A5 corridor, east Description Hugs western edge of Preferred West of Newtownstewart and of Newtownstewart and Mountjoy; East of Newtownstewart and Corridor Mountjoy; 2km west of Omagh hugs eastern edge of Preferred Mountjoy; 1km west around Omagh Corridor at Omagh

Less than desirable vertical alignment South of Newtownstewart, route Improvement of existing A5 geometry north of Ardstraw and between Significant buildability issues associated crosses higher road to Mountjoy on north of Mountjoy results in significant ENGINEERING Newtownstewart and Mountjoy, with with cutting between Newtownstewart heavy skews and slices into rock local access and construction significant associated earthworks and and Grange Wood. outcrop. problems. structures Potential Impact on western edge of the Sperrins AONB. Potential impact on western edge of the Potentially significant impact on Potential Impact on western edge of the Sperrins AONB. Owenkillew River SAC and the Strule Potentially significant impacts on cultural Sperrins AONB and potential significant River at Newtownstewart. heritage and the setting of Harry Avery's impact on Strule River SAC at Potentially significant impacts on Castle. Newtownstewart. ENVIRONMENT cultural heritage and Harry Avery's Potentially significant impacts on

Castle in particular. Grange Wood ASSI. Potentially significant impacts on

Creates a new road corridor, with Grange Wood ASSI. Potential impacts on mid and lower Potentially significant impacts on potential landscape and visual impacts, slopes of Bessy Bell dispersed settlements at Mountjoy particularly on the higher slopes of Bessy Bell

Transfer of traffic from existing A5 less Greatest transfer of traffic from TRAFFIC & Transfer of traffic from existing A5, in Second best traffic transfer. Less than desirable. Poor connectivity South existing A5. Best possible access/ the south, less than desirable. Poor desirable access/ connectivity to south ECONOMICS Strabane/ Sion Mills and particularly connectivity to Newtownstewart and connectivity/ access to Omagh. Omagh. Omagh. Omagh.

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3.3.3 Section 3 The initial Route Option assessment for Section 3 is summarised in Table 3.3, with the effect on the Route Options described below. Please refer also to Drawing Nos. 796036-0800-D-30103 and 30104 Volume 4.

Brown Route Option It was considered that routes should not be developed within the Brown Route Option due to the following economic, engineering and environmental issues:

• Poor transfer of traffic from the existing A5 and poor connectivity to Omagh, Ballygawley, the A28 and the N2 in the Republic of Ireland.

• Steep gradient over a long length between the ridge west of Garvaghy Big Hill and the A4.

• Poor ground conditions including areas of Peat and Alluvium.

• Potential significant impacts on heritage, landscape, protected species and woodland.

Green Route Option It was considered that routes should be developed within the Green Route Option.

Pink Route Option It was considered that routes should be developed within the Pink Route Option.

Blue Route Option It was considered that Routes should not be developed entirely within the Blue Route Option but that sections of the option should be used to provide links between the Pink and Green (east and west) Route Options. This solution would enable those sections of the Blue Route Option that have the least impacts and provide the best traffic transfer and connectivity to Omagh, Ballygawley and Aughnacloy to be used when developing Routes.

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Table 3-3: – Initial assessment table for Section 3 exhibition Route Options

EXHIBITION ROUTE OPTION CRITERIA BROWN GREEN PINK BLUE

Combination Option Starting West at All East Option. Follows the existing A5 Omagh and finishing East at Aughnacloy All West Option. Hugs the western edge of All West Option passing close to corridor, hugs eastern edge of Preferred allowing east and west options to link Description the Preferred Corridor Newtownsaville, and west of Aughnacloy Corridor at Omagh passing east of crossing the corridor north and south of Garvaghy Big Hill and Aughnacloy, Garvaghy Big Hill. More sinuous alignment which would require Better in terms of geotechnics than the Tightest corridor in terms of number of side Blue Route Option represented a collection excessive widening. Crosses more Alluvium Brown or Pink options. Passes through high roads and properties. Sinuous alignment as a of hybrids and was included in the public deposits and more areas of Peat than the ground west of Garvaghy Big Hill. result of trying to avoid properties associated exhibition Route Options purely to identify other options. with ribbon development. Significant buildability possible locations for Routes. Less favourable tie in at the border with ROI issues building next to existing A5. Brown Route follows less favourable ground than the pink and Blue options requiring Similar issues to Green option with high and has a worse vertical alignment from the approx. 3.5km of new road in ROI to connect Pink Option has highest ground of all options ground west of Garvaghy Big Hill. High ENGINEERING ridge west of Garvaghy Big Hill to the lower to the existing N2. past Garvaghy involving significant earthworks. ground also North East of Aughnacloy. ground at the A4 resulting in a long steep gradient. Best tie-in at the border with ROI requiring Similar tie-in at border to Pink Option approx. 1.45km of new road in ROI to connect requiring approx. 1.45km of new road in ROI Least favourable tie-in at the border with ROI to the existing N2. to connect to the existing N2. requiring the longest length (approx. 4.4km) of new road in ROI to connect to the existing N2.

Potential significant heritage impact on sites of Potential significant heritage impact on sites Heritage importance (for example Garvey Potential significant heritage impact on sites of Heritage importance, for example Errigal House) and buried archaeology.. Potential archaeology and heritage impacts on of Heritage importance, for example Errigal Kerrogue ecclesiastical site and buried sites of importance (for example hilltop Kerrogue ecclesiastical site. archaeology. Potentially significant landscape impacts due enclosures and passage tombs).

to creation of a new road corridor in a Potentially significant landscape impacts due ENVIRONMENT Potentially significant landscape impacts due predominantly rural context. Potentially significant visual impacts for to creation of a new road corridor. to creation of a new road corridor. receptors (i.e. people).

Potential to cause impacts to protected Potential to cause impacts to protected Potential to cause impacts to protected species and long established woodland along species along new road corridor. species along new road corridor. new road corridor.

Transfer of traffic from existing A5, in the Greatest transfer of traffic from existing A5. Transfer of traffic from existing A5 less than TRAFFIC & south is better than brown but less desirable Best possible access/ connectivity to Omagh Combination of comments from other options desirable. Poor connectivity/ access to than pink. Poor connectivity/ access to and Ballygawley. Connectivity to the A28. ECONOMICS Omagh and Ballygawley. Omagh. Connectivity to the A28.

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3.4 Routes for Assessment 3.4.1 Route Development Assumptions The following approach to road design was taken when developing Routes, for comparison purposes, with reference to Chapter 6 of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges:

• Design speed 120kph

• Dual 2 All-Purpose cross-section

• Departures from Standard only permitted in exceptional circumstances e.g. when incorporating the existing A5 into a Route Option

• Minimal use of relaxations permitted by standards e.g. gradients up to 8%

• Grade separation of junctions

• Side roads generally bridged over or passed under

Developing the Routes to the above criteria will present a worst case scenario when assessing the engineering and environmental impacts and thus will enable comparable assessment of the Route Options. Further development of the Routes and Preferred Route (when announced) will reduce impacts along the road.

Other aims and considerations when developing Routes include:

• Connectivity to future A5/A6 Link;

• Connectivity to the main towns and communities including New Buildings Strabane, Sion Mills, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Fintona, Ballygawley and Aughnacloy;

• Consideration of links to the N14 and N15 in County Donegal;

• Consideration of links to the N2 in County Monaghan;

• Consideration of the local road network required as roads are crossed by the route options;

• Minimization of loss of residential and commercial properties and community facilities; and

• Avoidance, where possible of significant statutory undertakers’ apparatus

• Avoidance of key Environmental constraints

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In order to complete the strategic link with the Republic's road network in County Donegal (Section 1), it will be necessary to construct a link across the River Finn to the south west of Strabane to connect with the existing N15 road and the proposed N14/N15 roundabout in Lifford. Work is on-going between the NRA and Roads Service in relation to delievering this link.

3.4.2 Section 1 Following initial Route Option assessment, four full length sectional Routes were developed as described below, and as shown on drawing numbers 796036-0800-D- 20105 and 20106 in Volume 2:

Black Route The Black Route follows the Pink Route Option from New Buildings to a point north of the Mourne River. South of the river it deviates to the west of the Strabane community towards the River Finn to provide the future linkage to ROI and avoiding severance to the local community. The Black Route then rejoins the Pink Route Option to the south of Strabane. The Black Route is described in further detail below.

New Buildings-Bready The route commences south of New Buildings at a proposed roundabout junction positioned on the existing A5 to provide a connection between the proposed route and the existing A5. South of the junction, the proposed route utilises the existing A5 corridor for a distance of 0.8km at a level of between approximately 15m and 20m AOD. At Lower Tully, the route deviates from the existing A5 corridor to the west of the community of Magheramason thus minimising severance. Further south, it passes close to St. Comgals Abbey and St. Comgals Holy Well. As the Route bypasses Magheramason, it crosses Dunnalong Road.

The route continues in a southerly direction, crosses Meenagh Road and bypasses Meenaghill to the east and Tamnakeery to the west, thereby avoiding houses and community severance. The route continues southwards crossing the existing A5 to the east, local to Cloghboy Road bypassing Tamnabrady. The levels of the proposed route rise from approximately 19m AOD to 32m AOD between Meenaghill and Cloghboy Road.

Bready-North of Strabane The route continues in a southerly direction skirting around Bready and Gortmessan and crosses Donagheady Road in Drumgauty. It then crosses over the existing A5 to the west at Grange Foyle bypassing Magherareagh as it continues south. Prior to crossing the Burn Dennet River at Ballydonaghy, the route crosses over Grangefoyle Road and Ash Avenue, and then goes through Drumenny over Drumenny Road.

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crosses Greenlaw Road and Park Road. Further south it runs between Ballymagorry and Desert. The route crosses Spruce Road as it approaches a possible junction located in Woodend. A junction is proposed at this location to provide a connection with the existing A5 north of Strabane. The route runs along the edge of the floodplain of the River Foyle from Ballymagorry to the north of Strabane.

North of Strabane-South of Strabane As the route enters Strabane, it continues along the edge of the floodplain of the River Foyle. It also runs through an area of backfilled gravel pit. Immediately north of the disused Strabane canal, the route runs parallel to the existing A5 (Barnhill Road) and continues adjacent to the existing A5 for a distance of 0.7 km. Continuing southwards the route crosses Park Road and enters a proposed junction incorporating the existing A38 roundabout connecting to Strabane and the Republic of Ireland.

A short distance south of this junction, the route crosses the North West Cycle route and the Mourne River west of Strabane via a new river crossing. Thereafter it runs parallel to the existing A5 (The Great Northern Link). South of the River Mourne, to the west of the existing A5, it is proposed that a further junction will be included to complement the junction north of the River Mourne. South of this point some 1.4km of the route lies adjacent to or within the floodplain of the River Finn.

The Black Route lies in close proximity to River Finn as it continues in a south- westerly direction around Strabane approaching a proposed junction which provides a connection with the B85 (Urney Road) and the Republic of Ireland via a future new river crossing. South of this junction, the route changes direction towards the south- east, crossing over Strahans Road and Castletown Road.

The route continues south through the greenbelt area, passing close to the concrete works and Orchard Road Industrial Estate. The proposed route then crosses Orchard Road and Knockroe Road, avoiding a landfill site and marshy ground. A junction is proposed south of Strabane, close to the golf centre at Sion Mills, providing a link between Peacock Road and the existing A5.

Overall, between New Buildings and the terminal point of this route, it crosses 21 minor roads. This route utilises approximately 1km of the existing A5, out of a route length of 21.5km.

Pink Route The Pink Route was developed within the Route Option of the same colour presented at the public consultations. The route is described further below.

New Buildings – Bready – North of Strabane Between New Buildings and North of Strabane the Pink Route is common with the Black Route.

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North of Strabane-South of Strabane The Pink Route continues on the existing A5 corridor for a distance of 2.9km, utilising the existing A5 footprint for half this length, before deviating from the existing A5 shortly before terminating south of Strabane. The route crosses the Mourne River via a new proposed crossing west of the existing bridge and rejoins the existing A5 south of the roundabout junction with Bradley Way. A new arm is proposed for the western end of this roundabout which would also tie into the new route. The road levels range between approximately 4m and 16m AOD between the north of Strabane and the A38 roundabout. After crossing the Mourne River, the minimum ground level is approximately 9m, rising up to 27m AOD at Strahans Road.

The route heads south and crosses the B85 (Urney Road) at which a limited access junction is proposed. It continues through Strabane utilising the existing footprint and then deviates from the A5 as it approaches a proposed junction, connecting Strahans Road and the existing A5 (The Great Northern Link). A future link to the Republic of Ireland, from the proposed junction, via a new river crossing, is proposed over Urney Road and the River Finn.

Exiting the junction, the route continues south through the greenbelt area, passing close to the concrete works, and Orchard Road Industrial Estate. It then traverses Orchard Road and Knockroe Road as it avoids a landfill site and marshy ground. A junction is proposed south of Strabane and close to the golf centre at Sion Mills. This junction links Peacock Road and the existing A5.

Overall, between New Buildings and the terminal point of this route, it crosses 19 minor roads. This route utilises approximately 2.0km of the existing A5, out of a route length of 21km.

Green Route The Green Route was developed within the Route Option of the same colour presented at the public exhibition. The route is described further below.

New Buildings-Ballymagorry This route is the most easterly of the Route Options and commences at the western side of New Buildings close to the River Foyle at the existing A5. The route continues south as a single carriageway bypass around the settlement for a distance of 1.2km and then approaches a proposed roundabout located on the existing A5 south of New Buildings. This junction provides a connection to the existing A5. Upon exiting the junction, it heads east of the existing A5 through a greenbelt area and crosses Tagharina Road, Clampernow Road and Mason Road. Ground levels rise from approximately 18m AOD at Tagharina Road to 48m AOD at Mason Road.

The green route then bypasses the village of Magheramason to the east although it encroaches on the development limit of Magheramason. The route continues in a

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southerly direction skirting the boundaries of Gortmonly Hill and runs past and through Upper Tully, Coolmaghery, Tamnakeery, Cloghole, Tamnabready and Sollus. The proposed road traverses the steep terrain between Magheramason and Cloghogle, with the level of the road rising from approximately 47m AOD to 87m AOD. After leaving Cloghogle, the Green Route crosses Ballybeeny Road and Tamnabrady Road.

The route continues in a southerly direction, crossing over Donagheady Road in Drumgauty and Willow Road in Magherareagh. It continues south towards Loughneas where it crosses Lisdivin Road and the Burn Dennet River. The route heads towards Ballymagorry and crosses Cloghcor Road, Ballyheather Road, Lowertown Road and Leckpatrick Road.

Ballymagorry-South of Strabane At Ballymagorry, the route crosses the Glenmornan River and Station Road. Further south, between Ballymagorry and Artigarvan, it approaches a proposed junction located such that it provides a connection between the B49 (Berryhill Road) and the existing A5. The route level in this area rises from approximately 38m AOD immediately south of the junction to 129m AOD as it passes adjacent to Strabane Glen. The route continues in a southerly direction to the east of Strabane. It also crosses Oak Road, Ballee Road, Curlyhill Road and Evish Road as it bypasses Strabane.

The Green Route heads further south to the east of Strabane, crossing a recreation and open space area, Pattens Glen, Cavanlee River and the B536 (Spout Road). South of the B536 crossing, the route begins to turn westwards to swing around to the south east of Strabane crossing Cavanlee Road, Carrigullin Road and the B72 (Liskey Road). It also crosses Drum Road and the National Cycle Route before crossing the Mourne River on a new river crossing

The route continues in a south-westerly direction and crosses the existing A5 (Melmount Road) and Knockroe Road then into a proposed junction located south of Strabane. The junction provides for a connection with Melmount Road (existing A5) and a future link to the Republic of Ireland via a new bridge crossing of the River Finn.

Overall, between New Buildings and the south of Strabane, the green route crosses 32 minor roads. The route is approximately 21km.

Purple Route The Purple Route was developed within the retained length of the Brown Route Option north of Glenmornan River and the retained length of the Blue Route Option south of the Glenmornan River. The route is described further below.

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New Buildings-Bready The route commences at New Buildings where it is proposed to locate a roundabout junction positioned on the existing A5 to provide a connection between the proposed route and the existing A5. Upon exiting the junction, it continues as a single carriageway for a distance of approximately 1km and bypasses New Buildings to the west. The route then approaches another proposed roundabout junction south of New Buildings. This junction is located such that it would provide a connection between the new route and the existing A5 to allow full movements.

The Purple Route continues in a southerly direction adjacent to and within the River Foyle floodplain within a greenbelt area, past Rossnagalliagh bypassing Magheramason, crossing over Dunnalong Road as it does so. Further south, it passes through Meenagh Hill, crossing over Meenagh Road.

As the route approaches Bready, it crosses Cloghboy Road. The route undulates from New Buildings to Bready with ground levels varying between approximately 9m and 16m AOD between New Buildings and Magheramason. The road level rises steadily to approximately 25m AOD at Meenaghill and then lowers, not dropping below approximately 18m AOD, all the way to Bready.

Bready-North of Strabane The route continues adjacent to and within the River Foyle floodplain. As it skirts around the west of Bready it crosses Dunnalong Road, and runs by the sewage treatment works before heading towards the Burn Dennet River. The route continues south, and traverses Grange Road, Grangefoyle Road, Ash Avenue and Drumenny Road as it bypasses Drumgauty, Grange Foyle and Drumenny.

The Purple Route is undulating, with the ground level dropping from approximately 18m to 9m AOD between Bready and Drumgauty. South of Drumgauty, the ground level increases again up to 18m AOD prior to the Burn Dennet River crossing in Ballydonaghy. As the route crosses the river, it passes over hummocky ground, Ballydonaghy Road and Moss Road. The ground level here drops down to 6m AOD and remains between approximately 6m and 10m AOD until Greenlaw Road before crossing the Glenmornan River in Ballymagorry.

As the route bypasses Ballymagorry, it crosses Greenlaw Road and approaches a proposed junction allowing full connectivity between the existing A5 and the proposed route. The route then heads south-east of the existing A5, crosses Woodend Road on a skew and runs parallel to Strabane Glen. The ground becomes very steep south east of the junction, and the road level rises from 10m AOD at Greenlaw Road to 62m AOD immediately north of Strabane.

North of Strabane-South of Strabane The route crosses Ballee Road, passes to the west of Castletown and then crosses Curlyhill Road, Evish Road, and Spout Road. Road levels for this route rise to the highest point along its length: approximately 114m AOD, west of Castletown, prior to 796036/0000/R/011 Version 2 163 ©Mouchel 2009 Preferred Options Report Scheme Assessment Report 2

crossing Curlyhill Road. As the route continues to travel south, it crosses Pattens Glen, Cavanlee Road and Carrigullin Road, all within a stretch of 0.6km. It is continually undulating, with road levels dropping to approximately 27m AOD as it approaches the southeastern urban area of Strabane.

On the approach to the Mourne River, the route crosses Liskey Road. The route then heads south-west and traverses Drum Road and the Mourne River. For the remainder of the route, ground levels vary between 15m and 27m AOD. The final kilometre of the route within Section 1 also sees crossings over Melmount Road, the Ballyfatten Bridge and Knockroe Road, into a proposed junction allowing full connectivity between the existing A5 road, Castletown Road and future connection to the Republic of Ireland via a new bridge crossing over the River Finn. The link crosses over Orchard Road and approaches a proposed junction which provides a connection with Strahans Road and the Great Northern Link. Heading north-west, the link traverses Carrick Avenue.

The Purple Route crosses over 22 minor roads. The total length of the scheme is 21.5km with 1km of the route being single carriageway.

3.4.3 Section 2 Following initial Option assessment, four full length routes were developed as described below, and as shown on drawing numbers 796036-0800-D-30104 and 30105 in Volume 3:

Yellow Route The Yellow Route commences within the Green Route Option until east of Ardstraw. It then switches over to the Brown Option to minimise the impact on Newtownstewart and the severance between the town and Harry Avery’s Castle. South of Upper Beltany the Yellow Route enters the Green route Option before connecting to the Blue Route Option south of Gillygooly. The Yellow Route continues within the Blue Route Option to the south-west of Omagh.

South of Strabane to South of Newtownstewart The Yellow Route starts at the connection with Section 1 immediately north west of Sion Mills, and skirts the eastern boundary of Glebe travelling in a south westerly direction. To the south of Glebe, the Yellow Route crosses Primrose Park, the B165 Bells Park Road and High Road and skirts the west side of Seein as it crosses Seein Road. After passing Seein, the path of the Yellow Route changes to a south easterly direction and passes Victoria Bridge to the east crossing Concess Road, the B72 Fyfin Road and Stone Road. A junction is also proposed with the B72, as it provides a link back to the existing A5 for access to Sion Mills, Seein, Victoria Bridge, Castlederg and surrounding areas.

To the south of Victoria Bridge, the Yellow Route continues in a south easterly direction past several constraints including several large farms and three active quarries north of the River Derg whilst crossing Urbalreagh Road and Derg Road.

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The Yellow Route then heads west, crossing the River Derg, the B164 Deerpark Road and Milltown Road before continuing to Wood Hills.

The Yellow Route crosses Magheracoltan Road as it passes to the west side of Wood Hills, and a junction is proposed at the crossings of Drumlegagh Road, the B84 and Baronscourt Road which would provide a link to the northern junction of the Newtownstewart Bypass and the existing A5. The route continues to the west of Harry Avery’s Castle crossing Oldcastle Road and on to Gallows Hill in a south easterly direction.

The Yellow Route undulates from the south of Strabane to Newtownstewart but generally rises from a low of approximately 29m AOD north of Sion Mills to a high of approximately 116m AOD to the south-west of Newtownstewart.

South of Newtownstewart to North of Omagh South of Newtownstewart, the Yellow Route continues to travel in a southerly direction crossing a number of side roads; Gortgranagh Road (twice) Grouse Park Road, Gortnacreagh Road, an unclassified road and Cashty Road until it reaches the vicinity of Mountjoy. Due to the topography of Bessy Bell, the Yellow Route experiences steep gradients along this part of the route.

The Yellow Route passes to the west of Mountjoy crossing Dunteige Road and Lisnagirr Road and there is a proposed junction north of Omagh. The route then bends to the west to avoid the Tully Bog SAC, crossing Drumlegagh Road South and Todds Road before crossing the Fairy Water river in a south-westerly direction.

Between Newtownstewart and Omagh the Yellow Route continues to climb to a peak of approximately 188m AOD on the slopes of Bessy Bell before falling to a level of approximately 66m AOD on the approach to Gillygooly.

North of Omagh to South of Omagh Following the crossing of the Fairy Water River, the Yellow Route follows a southerly path towards Gillygooly crossing Mullagarn Road and the B50 Gillygooly Road.

To the south of Gillygooly, the Yellow Route takes a south easterly path around the west of Omagh, following a path approximately 0.8km west of the eastern Preferred Corridor boundary. The route crosses Rosemary Road, Botera Road, Tamlaght Road and Ballygowan Road over this section.

A junction is proposed where the Yellow Route crosses the A32 to the west of Omagh, and would provide a link to Omagh, Dromore and Enniskillen.

To the south of the A32, the Yellow Route diverges from the edge of the Preferred Corridor and takes a more central position within the Preferred Corridor and crosses Loughmuck Road, Beagh Road and Ballynahatty Road before crossing the

Drumragh River. The Yellow Route then crosses Backfort Road before connecting to Section 3 approximately 0.4km north of the B122.

Around Omagh the Yellow Route climbs to a peak of approximately 115m AOD before levels reduce to approximately 85m AOD for the tie in with Section 3.

The Yellow Route is 31.3km in length and crosses 36 minor roads.

Black Route The Black Route follows the Green Route Option until east of Ardstraw. It then enters the Brown Route Option as far as Newtownstewart. South of the town the Black Route enters the Blue Route Option via the Green Route Option. At Poe Bridge, the Black Route enters the Pink Route Option, and remains in it around Omagh, providing access to the town.

South of Strabane to South of Newtownstewart The Black Route continues from Section 1 between Sion Mills and Glebe, and follows the same path as the Yellow Route until south-west of Newtownstewart.

South of Newtownstewart to North of Omagh At this point the Black Route diverges east away from the Yellow Route, and follows a path towards the east of the Preferred Corridor crossing Gortgranagh Road, Castletown Road and West Road. Approaching the existing A5 and passing west of the Mellon Country Hotel the Black Route crosses Killynure Road and continues west of the existing A5 on the approach to Mountjoy.

The Black Route passes to the east of Mountjoy before crossing the existing A5, Gortnagarn Road and Connaghty Road. The route continues in a southerly direction before crossing Rash Road and then the existing A5 again immediately north of Poe Bridge.

A junction is proposed at this crossing of the existing A5 in order to facilitate the transfer of traffic north of Omagh. The route is tightly constrained at this location by the existing A5, the Fairy Water River and several properties.

Between Newtownstewart and Omagh the Black Route drops from a peak of approximately 124m AOD as it crosses Castletown Road to 75m AOD south of the Mellon Country Hotel before rising to approximately 103m AOD near the Ulster American Folk Park and then reducing to approximately 71m AOD on the approach to Poe Bridge.

North of Omagh to South of Omagh From the junction at Poe Bridge, the Black Route deviates away from the existing A5 on the outskirts of Omagh. To the south of the junction, the Black Route passes

approximately 200 metres east of Tully Bog SAC, running close to the eastern boundary of the Preferred Corridor.

After crossing over the Fairy Water river, the route runs south west, close to the development limits of Omagh and crosses, the Gillygooly Road, Aghnamoyle Road, Botera Road, Tamlaght Road and Brookmount Road before reaching the A32 where there will be a junction connecting the new road with Omagh, Dromore and Enniskillen.

South of the A32, the Black Route passes through steep drumlin terrain with crossings of Loughmuck Road, Beagh Road and Ballynahatty Road. A new structure would carry the Black Route over the Drumragh River, after which the route curves to the east before crossing Blackfort Road and connecting with Section 3 immediately north of the B83.

Around Omagh the road levels vary between 70m and 90m AOD.

The Black Route is 31.7km in length and crosses 38 No primary, secondary and minor roads.

Red Route The Red Route commences within the Green Route Option before switching to the Pink Route Option at Newtownstewart in order to utilise the existing bypass. From Newtownstewart the Red Route continues to follow the Pink Route Option until north of the Ulster American Folk Park where a switch to the Blue Route Option moves the Red Route away from the existing A5 to prevent severance of local accesses. Immediately north of the B50 Drumquin Road, the Red Route switches back to the Pink Route Option around Omagh.

South of Strabane to South of Newtownstewart The Red route continues from Section 1 between Sion Mills and Glebe, it follows the same path as the Yellow Route until the crossing of the River Derg north of Wood Hills to the West of Newtownstewart. The Red Route splits away from the Yellow Route at this point crossing Millbrook Road and the B165 as it passes north and east of Wood Hills to join the existing A5 at the northern end of the Newtownstewart Bypass.

From this point the Red Route utilises the existing A5 and Newtownstewart Bypass for 2km. This route requires a rationalisation of the local road network which compliments the proposed junction strategy for Newtownstewart; junctions with the existing A5 north and south of the town. This section of the route requires two new structures to cross the River Strule and crosses the B46 and B165.

From the south of Strabane to Newtownstewart the Red Route remains relatively level, undulating between approximately 30m and 50m AOD.

South of Newtownstewart to North of Omagh South of Newtownstewart, the Red Route deviates from the existing A5 carriageway and runs west and parallel to it and passing through Grange Wood ASSI.

Once past Grange Wood, the Red Route runs adjacent to the existing A5 crossing West Road until it reaches the Mellon Country Hotel. South of the Mellon Country Hotel, the Red Route follows the path of the Black Route to the north of Omagh.

Between Newtownstewart and Omagh the Red Route climbs to a peak of approximately 103m AOD near the Ulster American Folk Park before levels reduce to approximately 71m AOD on the approach to Poe Bridge.

North of Omagh to South of Omagh The Red Route continues to follow the path of the Black Route from the north of Omagh to the tie-in with Section 3.

The Red Route is 32.4km in length and crosses 36 No secondary and minor roads and utilises approximately 2km of the existing A5.

Purple Route The Purple Route commences between Sion Mills and Glebe within the Pink route Option as far as the Ulster American Folk Park where a switch to the Blue Route Option moves the Purple Route away from the existing A5 to prevent severance of local accesses. Immediately north of the B50 Drumquin Road, the Purple Route switches back to the Pink Route Option around Omagh.

South of Strabane to South of Newtownstewart The Purple Route starts at the connection with Section 1 immediately north west of Sion Mills. The route runs parallel to the western boundary of Sion Mills closer to properties than the other Route Options and crossing Primrose Park and Bells Park Road. South of Sion Mills, the Purple Route skirts around the eastern boundary of Seein as it crosses Seein Road and the B165 before continuing in a south-easterly direction crossing Concess Road, an unclassified road, the B72, Urbalreagh Road and Stone Road as it passes to the west of Victoria Bridge.

Approximately 0.5km south of Victoria Bridge, a junction is proposed which would provide a direct link with the existing A5.

Between Victoria Bridge and Newtownstewart, the Purple Route utilises the existing A5 for the new dual carriageway which would require a rationalisation of the local road network.

The Purple Route continues along the eastern side of the existing A5, crossing the River Derg via a new structure. The route continues to run parallel to the existing A5 before crossing back to the west of the existing A5 at Mullaghamley to avoid the

quarry to the west. From this point, the Purple Route follows a path to the west of the existing A5 until its connection to the existing A5 at the Newtownstewart Bypass.

At Newtownstewart the Purple Route would utilise the Newtownstewart Bypass as described in the Red Route

From the south of Strabane to Newtownstewart the Purple Route remains relatively level, undulating between approximately 30m and 50m AOD.

South of Newtownstewart to North of Omagh The Purple Route continues to follow the path of the Black Route from the south of Newtownstewart to north of Omagh.

North of Omagh to South of Omagh The Purple Route continues to follow the path of the Black Route from the north of Omagh to the tie-in with Section 3.

The Purple Route is 31.7km in length, crosses 36 No secondary and minor roads and utilises approximately 4km of the existing A5.

3.4.4 Section 3 Following initial Option assessment, four full length routes were developed as described below, and as shown on drawing numbers 796036-0800-D-30105 and 796036-0800-D-30106 in Volume 4:

The Green Route moved further west along the Blackwater initially but decision was then made to terminate all Route Options north of the border near Moy Bridge.

Green Route A full length (all west) route option was developed within the Green Route Option taking into account the various constraints and in particular proximity to properties and dwellings along its length. Consideration was also given to minimising the earthworks and the potential for achieving a cut/fill balance. The route is described further below.

Omagh (South) to Routing Burn The route continues from Section 2 as it crosses the B122 Tattyreagh Road 1.3 km southwest of the existing A5. It is proposed to locate a junction south of Omagh.

The route crosses the B83 Seskinore Road and the Drumconnelly Road. It then swings to the southeast to cross the Tullyrush Road.

The route continues in a south easterly direction to cross Rarone Road to pass to the west of Gortaclare before crossing Drumconnely Road, Augher Point Road and the B46 Moylagh Road where a junction is proposed.

Continuing on towards the Routing Burn the Route crosses Greenmount Road and Kiladroy Road

This section of the Green Route undulates between 88m AOD and 119m AOD.

Routing Burn to Ballygawley Water Continuing in a southeast direction the route crosses Routingburn Road before turning in a southerly direction crossing Springhill Road and Newtownsaville Road.

The route swings to the east crossing Cormore Road and Glenalt Road as the route passes to the east of Beltany Hill. The route turns south easterly to cross Newtownsaville Road, Tycanny Road, Rarogan Road and Ballynassagart Road.

The route turns east and then south east to cross Glenhoy Road and Sess Road and then east again crossing Ballynasaggart Road, Crew Road. Feddan Road, Lettery Road and then the A4 Annaghilla Road east of its junction with the Ballynany Road.

The Green Route crosses the A4 approximately 1km from the new Ballygawley roundabout, currently under construction. A proposed junction here would also include the upgrading of the A4 over this section to dual carriageway standard.

This section of the Green Route rises to a level of 157m AOD near Newtownsaville before descending to a level of 68m AOD at the crossing of Ballynassagart Road.

Ballygawley Water to the River Blackwater From the A4 the route swings south-eastwards crossing Tullywinny Road, Lisginny Road and the A28 Favour Royal Road where there would be a junction before passing to the west of Aughnacloy. The route continues southwards, staying to the west of an area of high ground as it proceeds to the southern boundary of the route at the border at the River Blackwater.

This section of the Green Route undulates between 50m AOD and 80m AOD.

The Green Route is 29km in length and crosses 36 No primary, secondary and minor roads.

Pink Route A full length (all east) Pink route option was developed within the Pink Route Option. Consideration was also given to crossings of the existing A5 and in particular reducing the skew (angle) of these crossings. The route weaves between properties throughout its length and sought to minimise impact on the community of Garvaghy. The route is described further below.

Omagh (South) to Routing Burn The route continues from Section 2 as it crosses the B83 Seskinore Road 750 metres west of a proposed new junction with the A5.

The route turns from an easterly to a south easterly direction as it crosses Cranmore Road, Tullyrush Road, Crannoge Road and Rock Road.

The route continues in a south-easterly direction crossing Church Road, the B46 Moylagh Road where a junction is proposed, Kiladroy Road and Clogherny Road before crossing Routing Burn.

The Pink Route rises from a level of 96m AOD to a high point of 146m AOD before falling to 130m AOD near Routing Burn.

Routing Burn to Ballygawley Water The route continues south-eastwards crossing Roscavey Road and passing to the south-west of the proposed GAA development, before crossing the Garvaghy Bridge Road. The route then swings eastwards initially running parallel to the A5 Omagh Road but then crossing the existing A5 twice and Todds Leap Road.

The route turns south-eastwards to cross the A5 Omagh Road before swinging to the south as it crosses Crew Road and Tullybryan Road while staying to the west of Ballygawley on the approach to the A4 Annaghilla Road. .

The Pink Route crosses the A4 approximately 700m from the new Ballygawley roundabout, currently under construction. A proposed junction here would also include the upgrading of the A4 over this section to dual carriageway standard.

The Pink Route climbs to a level of approximately 175m AOD at Garvaghy before descending to a level of approximately 78m AOD as it crosses the A4.

Ballygawley Water to the River Blackwater From the A4 junction the Pink Route continues south-eastwards crossing the Tullywinny Road and continues south-eastwards before crossing Lisginny Road.

The route then swings to the east before swinging to the south east to pass to the east of Aughnacloy crossing Old Chapel Road, the A5 Tullyvar Road, Loughans Road, the B35 Carnteel Road (where there is the possibility of a junction) and finally the B128 Rehaghy Road as the route swings to the southwest. The Pink Route then crosses the A28 Caledon Road where a junction is proposed before tying into the existing A5 in the vicinity of Moy Bridge on the River Blackwater.

Over this section the level reaches a high point of 90m AOD before descending to 52m AOD at the River Blackwater.

The Pink Route is 31km in length and crosses 36 No primary, secondary and minor roads.

Purple Route

As mentioned in 3.3.3 the main aim of the Blue Route Option was to provide opportunities to link between the east and west Route Options. The Purple (west– east) Route was developed to combine the Blue and Pink Route Options providing a scheme that started west at Omagh and then crossed the Option to pass east at Garvaghy and east of Aughnacloy. The Purple Route leaves the Pink Route Option south of Ballygawley for a short period to join the Blue Route Option and make use of the proposed Tullyvar improvement scheme before joining the Pink Route Option again passing close to Aughnacloy. The route is described further below.

Omagh (South) to Routing Burn The Purple Route is the same as the Green Route from its commencement east of the B83 Seskinore Road. From this point the Purple Route diverges eastwards crossing the Drumconnelly Road before swinging southeastwards to cross the A5 Doogary Road at its junction with Tullyrush Road and Doogary minor road.

After crossing the A5 Doogary Road the route continues south eastwards to cross Cranoge Road, Church Road and the B46 Moylagh Road where a junction is proposed.

From the B46 the Purple Route follows the same alignment as the Pink Route to the Routing Burn.

Routing Burn to Ballygawley Water The Purple Route follows the path of the Pink Route between the Routing Burn and the Ballygawley Water.

The Purple Route crosses the A4 approximately 700m from the new Ballygawley roundabout, currently under construction. A proposed junction here would also include the upgrading of the A4 over this section to dual carriageway standard.

Ballygawley Water to the River Blackwater The Purple Route initially follows the Pink Route but swings eastwards crossing Tullywinny Road and then south-eastwards to follow the A5 Tullyvar Road online for approximately 900m before turning southwards crossing Old Chapel Road as it heads south-east to rejoin the Pink Route to continue to the southern termination at the River Blackwater.

The Purple Route is 31km in length and crosses 39 No primary, secondary and minor roads.

Red Route The Red (east–west–east) Route evolved from a combination of the Pink, Green and Blue Route Options. This route provides an alternative to the all-east Pink Route passing near Newtownsaville prior to crossing the A4 close to the existing Ballygawley roundabout. It then passes along part of the line of the proposed

Tullyvar improvement scheme before joining the Blue Route Option again passing east of Aughnacloy.

Omagh (South) to Routing Burn The route continues from Section 2 as it crosses the B83 Seskinore Road and the existing A5 where there would be a junction. From this junction the Red Route swings from an easterly to a southerly direction crossing firstly Camowen Road, the existing A5 and Tullyrush Road before turning in a south-easterly direction crossing Rarone Road to pass to the west of Gortaclare. The route then crosses Drumconnelly Road, Augher Point Road and the B46 Moylagh Road where a junction would be provided. From the B46 the new route continues in a south easterly direction to cross Greenmount Road and Kiladroy Road on the approach to the Routing Burn.

The Red Route rises from a level of 96m AOD to a high point of 119m AOD before falling to 116m AOD near Routing Burn.

Routing Burn to Ballygawley Water The route continues south easterly from the Routing Burn crossing Routing Burn Road before turning in a southerly direction crossing Springhill Road and Newtownsaville Road.

The route swings to the east crossing Cormore Road and Glenalt Road as the route passes to the east of Beltany Hill before turning to the south east to cross Newtownsaville Road, Tycanny Road and Rarogan Road.

The route proceeds in an easterly direction and then south eastwards to cross Glenhoy Road, Sess Road and Ballynasaggart Road before swinging back in an easterly direction to cross Fedan Road and the A4 Annaghilla Road

The Red Route crosses the A4 approximately 1km from the new Ballygawley roundabout, currently under construction. A proposed junction here would also include the upgrading of the A4 over this section to dual carriageway standard.

This section of the Red Route rises to a level of 157m AOD near Newtownsaville before descending to a level of 68m AOD at the crossing of Ballynassagart Road.

Ballygawley Water to the River Blackwater From the A4 junction the Red Route continues eastwards to cross Tullwinny Road and then turns to the south east to follow the route of the existing A5 for approximately 800m. The route diverges from the A5 in an easterly direction crossing Aghaloo Road before swinging south eastwards to cross Loughans Road.

The route continues south eastwards to cross the B35 Carnteel Road (where a junction is possible) and the B128 Rehaghy Road before the route swings to the south to cross Glencrew Road and then the A28 Caledon Road where there is a

junction before reaching the southern limit of the route on the existing A5 at Moy Bridge on the River Blackwater.

Over this section the level reaches a high point of 103m AOD before descending to 52m AOD at the River Blackwater.

The Red Route is 33km in length and crosses 44 No primary, secondary and minor road.