Rock netting works on the A2 Coast Road, Larne at Garron Point to commence

A scheme to install safety netting to the rockface on the Antrim coast will start next Monday 13 September 2010. This will lead to the closure of the Coast Road at Garron Point for eight weeks.

Roads Service has engaged specialist consultants to assess and consider solutions for a number of areas susceptible to rock falls on the Coast Road, including Garron Point, an iconic headland just north of Carnlough village.

Divisional Roads Manager Deidre Mackle said: "The rock face at Garron Point extends to some 130 metres in height close to St Killian's College is renowned for its white limestone layer overlaid by the black basalt common on this coastline. Some of the problems in maintaining this road find their roots in the crude blasting techniques used at the time of construction coupled with natural weathering which has fractured the limestone and basalts resulting in ravelling and rock falls.

"In light of a number of rock falls and subsequent road closures last winter, Roads Service engaged rock engineers to remove any loose rock from the rock face at the location of Garron Point. These scaling works highlighted a need for a further investigation of this location as it appeared to be heavily weathered. On conclusion of these inspections it has been decided that rock retention measures in the form of netting at this headland are now required to minimise any risks posed to the road users." she said.

"The proposed work involves a specialist rock netting contractor installing retention netting to a basalt outcrop some 90 metres above the main A2 Coast Road. This high access work has been planned for completion prior to the winter season to minimise risk to the installation teams and safeguard this location from further weathering and erosion." said Ms Mackle.

Roads Service has consulted with the relevant government agencies and will ensure that the works are completed in a manner sensitive to the unique environmental aspects of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The netting once complete will be screened by the two main headlands at Garron Point and will not be visible to the road user due to its height above road level.

Roads Service will endeavour to minimise any disruption by arranging adjacent diversionary routes. Roads Service advise drivers to leave extra time for their journey and thank them for their patience during the essential scheme. The adjacent Tower Road will be used as a diversionary route which adds approximately four minutes to the journey time.

Notes to editors:

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