The upgrading of the A5 to dual carriageway status is the largest project ever to be undertaken in the north and this announcement follows last summer’s confirmation by Roads Minister, Conor Murphy, of a £400m contribution from the Irish Government to road improvements on the A5 and the A8 between Belfast and Larne.
Minister Conor Murphy, said: "Roads Service is committed to improving the physical infrastructure within the North. The A5 upgrading project will improve journey times and road safety for motorists and will also generate much wider social and economic benefits for the North West."
The public exhibitions, which are open from noon until 8pm, will be held on:
- Monday, April 28 at Smyth Memorial Hall, Church Street, Ballygawley
- Tuesday, April 29 at Silverbirch Hotel, Gortin Road, Omagh
- Thursday, May 8 at Alley Theatre, Tourist Information Centre, Strabane
- Friday, May 9 at the Everglades Hotel, Derry
Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty, said "The scheme development is at a very early stage and we are keen to explain the objectives of the scheme, raise awareness of the project and to obtain public opinion. It is also very important that, at this stage, we capture from the public any information that may influence the scheme design. We would therefore encourage as many people as possible to attend the public information days."
Roads Service has formally appointed consultants Mouchel as their advisor on the A5 project.
Andy Campbell, Mouchel project director, said: "The A5 Western Transport Corridor is the largest road project ever to be undertaken here and we are delighted to be working for Roads Service on this exciting scheme. Building relationships with local communities is at the heart of Mouchel’s values, and we are looking forward to meeting the residents along this corridor."
Mouchel’s first task is to carry out a constraints assessment in a wide study and teams of specialists will soon be out and about in the towns and countryside making assessments and recording significant information. In addition, over the next month, teams of specialists will be carrying out brief questionnaires at the roadside as part of a traffic ‘census’. Each questionnaire, which focuses on the driver’s journey, will be either completed on site or will require self-completion at home.
Mr Campbell added: "The questionnaires are particularly important and will be carried out with the assistance of the police. We would greatly appreciate the cooperation of the public, should they be approached by the survey team, as each questionnaire will help to inform the scheme design."
Notes to Editors:
The A5 Western Transport Corridor is one of five key transport corridor upgrades identified in the Regional Transportation Strategy for the north and represents a significant link in longer-term plans to improve connections between Dublin and Derry city and Donegal
Media opportunity: Media are invited to the information days and also to the presentations for politicans and media which will be held at 10am on each day of the public information days. Please contact the Press Office if you would like to attend.
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 028 905 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
