Murphy Announces Award Of Contracts For The A5 Western Transport Corridor

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, today announced that contractors have been appointed for the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy.

The Minister said “I welcome the appointment of three contractors for the A5 Western Transport Corridor project which at 86 kilometres long, is the largest single road scheme ever undertaken in Ireland.”

“The contracts are in two phases – the first phase is to assist Roads Service and the scheme consulting engineers in the development of the design of the new dual carriageway in advance of the publication of the draft statutory orders next year.  The second phase is the construction of the new dual carriageway. ”  

The construction phase is planned to commence in 2012 subject to a successful outcome of the Public Inquiry scheduled for summer 2011 and availability of finance.

The Minister said: “Due to the length of this project it was divided into three contracts and was awarded as follows:

Section 1 from Newbuildings to Sion Mills has been awarded to the Balfour Beatty/BAM/FP McCann Joint Venture.

Section 2 from Sion Mills to Omagh has been awarded to the Roadbridge/Sisk/PT McWilliam Joint Venture.

Section 3 from Omagh to south of Aughnacloy at the border with County Monaghan has been awarded to the Graham/Farrans Joint Venture.

“To ensure successful delivery of the project within the agreed timescales, Roads Service has adopted an innovative approach in the A5 dualling project by appointing the contractors early in the process.  The construction phase will be particularly welcome in the current economic climate providing a range of construction jobs, including specialsocial clausesfor employment of apprentices and the long term unemployed and contributing towards social and economic development in the West.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Emerging Specimen Design, which is based on the Preferred Route for the scheme, is currently under development and will be presented at Public Exhibitions in summer 2010.  The Draft Statutory Orders and an Environmental Statement will be published in autumn 2010, and will be followed by a 6 week period of formal public consultation.  During the formal consultation period all affected parties and others may make comments and lodge objections to the Draft Orders and Environmental Statement. These comments and objections will then be heard at the Public Inquiry in 2011.
2. The A5 website and the helpline on 0845 602 3954 are available to update the public on progress of the scheme.
3. Media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press office on 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.