During his visit to the site, the Minister met with officials from both Roads Service and the contractor FP McCann Ltd to discuss progress to date.
The Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to see the progress being made on this scheme. The construction of the new dual carriageway underneath the Larne Road Roundabout will allow strategic north south traffic to continue uninterrupted beneath the roundabout. This will substantially reduce the volume of traffic circulating around the Larne Road Roundabout, and will reduce congestion, providing a safer environment for road users.
“Traffic disruption will be negligible during most of the contract as the bulk of the works are being carried out offline through a greenfield site. Some traffic disruption can be expected in the latter stages of the contract when the new road is being connected to the Ballee Road East and to the M2 Ballymena Bypass.”
The major improvement scheme started in early June 2009 and will take 10 months to complete. The scheme will improve safety; assist economic growth by reducing journey times; reduce congestion and delays and accommodate increasing traffic flows.
Notes to Editors:
- The scheme will divert strategic north south traffic currently circulating around the Larne Road Roundabout onto a new 2.1 kilometre long dual carriageway constructed underneath the Larne Road Roundabout.
- The new road deviates from the existing Ballee Road East dual carriageway east of the Ballee Roundabout.
- The route then curves to the left, continuing underneath the Larne Road Roundabout to connect to the southern end of the M2 Ballymena Bypass.
- New slip roads constructed to the south side of the existing ‘half-diamond’ interchange at the Larne Road Roundabout will provide access to and from the new road.
- Extensive planting of native trees and shrubs at key locations will help re-assimilate the scheme into the existing landscape setting.
- Environmentally friendly sustainable drainage systems will provide additional wetland areas for wildlife.
- Media queries to: Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
