BY AUSTIN LYNCH

Construction work on the new roundabout at Trory junction on the A32 Enniskillen-Irvinestown Road is nearing completion this week as the contractors move into the final stages of the major roadwork's project.

Initially, it was thought the roundabout would be completed by the end of August. But, work is now well ahead of schedule and the Roads Service in Enniskillen are now hopeful the roadworks could be completed by the July holidays, well over a month ahead of schedule.

The estimated cost of the construction of the new roundabout at the busy junction north of Enniskillen is £200,000, and that doesn't include the preparatory works or construction of the approach roads to the new roundabout.

Motorists travelling from Enniskillen to Kesh have already experienced diversions as the existing road was dug up to construct one of the new approach roads to the roundabout. And, this week, motorists travelling from Enniskillen to Irvinestown (and vice versa) may experience some disruption as diversions are put in place.

Henry Robinson, from the Roads Service, said that the project is moving forward and that the work going on at the moment is the creation of the approach roads to the roundabout.

He explained that, following road closures last week to Kesh traffic, the Kesh road link had now been completed and was now able to accommodate the traffic from this direction.

"Some limited traffic restrictions yesterday (Tuesday) and today on the Irvinestown to Enniskillen road should be sufficient for the contractors to complete the groundwork's for these two approach roads, ground conditions permitting", he stated.

"We are hoping that two days will be sufficient to get this part of the work completed with the least disruption possible to the traffic on the main Enniskillen to Irvinestown route," commented Henry.

"The work is going better than we had expected and roadworks (at Trory) are ahead of schedule at present."

Several months ago, preparatory work was carried out on what is to be the site of the new roundabout but then work ceased for quite some time. This time was essential, it was explained, to allow the ground to settle before the completion works could begin.

Now, motorists who pass this busy junction every day will be able to see the roundabout taking shape and, if work continues at the pace it is currently at, the new roundabout may be completed within a matter of weeks.

Work on the Trory roundabout project is being undertaken by Balfour Brothers and Mills Contracts.

As far as traffic is concerned, Henry Robinson said that there may be some limited road (or lane) closures and diversions over the next week or so, but the best advice he can give is for motorists to slow down as they approach the roadworks and follow the signs.