Progress on the A1 dual carriageway contract award

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on the contract award for the A1 dual carriageway scheme between Beech Hill and Cloghogue, Newry.

This forms part of investment totalling £28million in the Newry and Mourne District this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister said: “The tender processes and contract signing for the A1 dual carriageway scheme between Beech Hill and Cloghogue is due for completion this Autumn. This will allow the commencement of works for the final stage of dualling the A1. The A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue scheme follows the completion of the A1/N1 Cloghogue to the border scheme (and on to Ballymascanlon, Dundalk) which was opened to traffic on 2 August 2007.

“Roads Service is investing around £28million in the area this financial year for management and improvements of the road network. Schemes which have already been completed include Minor Works to provide road widening, and a footway link at Glenn Hill, Newry; visibility improvements on the Tandragee Road, Jerretspass at Ashtree Hill; footway provision and visibility improvements at Mill Road, Kilkeel and forward sight distance enhancements on Anthony’s Road, Kilkeel. These are in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.”

At the meeting, Road Service’s Network Maintenance Manager for Southern Division, Arnold Hamilton, welcomed the continued high level of investment in the road network development and maintenance including provision for local transport and safety measures in the Newry and Mourne District. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Hamilton said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing pressures on its budget for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements. We are also awaiting the outcome of the Review of Public Administration, so that the resulting changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented.

“The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1billion of these schemes has already been identified and a consultation on a further £400million of schemes has been completed. In addition, the Republic of Ireland National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West. The timing of schemes will, however, depend on the outcome of the current comprehensive spending review and the revised Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which will cover the period from 2008 to 2018.

“Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Newry and Mourne District. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.’’

Notes to Editors:

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