The breakthrough means HMC are ahead of programme and there are plans to allow traffic through the new underpass in late Summer.
The Minister said: "I continue to be impressed by the work ethic and professionalism of all who are associated with the Project. The preparation and planning to build a road of this magnitude while accommodating the traveling public has been excellent. I would like to congratulate HMC for this latest milestone which is ahead of schedule."
The Project which started in February 2006 is now in its 100th Week and the overall completion for all of the works is November 2009. HMC is a joint venture of local contractors; John Graham (Dromore) Limited and Farrans Construction along with German contractor; Bilfinger Berger.
HMC Project Director, Leo Martin said: "This has been a difficult milestone to achieve and we are all delighted to have reached this stage. The HMC staff and our entire workforce have been working extremely long hours, nights and weekends to ensure we meet our target dates for opening.
"Broadway roundabout was particularly challenging as it required the diversion of both the Blackstaff and Clowney Rivers as well as moving electricity pylons and numerous other services before the piling works to the underpass could be completed," said Mr Martin. The method of construction involved a technique known as "top-down construction" which was necessary due to the constraints of maintaining traffic flow across Broadway between the M1 and the Westlink. In this process the roof slab was constructed first and then the excavation completed beneath it. This method significantly reduced the interface with the travelling public.
Mr Martin said: “There has been a lot of hard work done to date but there is also significant work remaining before traffic goes into the underpass and whilst we cannot be complacent we should all appreciate the efforts made by everyone associated with this project in reaching this major milestone."
This news comes just two months after HMC past the one million man hours worked on the project without any significant health and safety accidents. In addition the new Grosvenor Rd and slip roads onto and off the Westlink will open in March this year.
The Minister added: "This is great news for commuters who have been very patient through the work. I realise that it is not possible to undertake works of this scale on one of Northern Ireland’s busiest roads without causing some disruption to traffic. However, the widely predicted traffic congestion has not materialised due to the sensible way the public have adapted to the ongoing road works. I would encourage people to continue to use public transport, Park and Ride, carsharing, or simply varying their travel times or routes."
Notes to Editors:
- The M1/Westlink Scheme is part of a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract which is being funded through a Public Private Partnership.
- The works are being undertaken by a consortium that includes the international multi-disciplinary firm Bilfinger Berger, along with local contractors Graham and Northstone (formally Farrans).
- Media Interviews on Monday 28 January 2008 if requested.
- Photographs are available
- Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
