This work will cause some traffic disruption as there are strict security and safety procedures associated with rock excavation by blasting, particularly related to the transportation, placing and firing of explosive charges.
The main concentration of work will primarily be around Cloghogue Junction and blasting operations will take place up to three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday or Friday) for up to 12 months.
During each blast it is expected that traffic will be stopped on all approaches to Cloghogue Roundabout for approximately 20 minutes. Roads Service and its contractor, Amey Lagan Roads Limited would like to thank in advance all roads users affected by this work for their patience and understanding and to ask people to leave more time for their journeys.
Variable message signs will be in place advising that the blast and the expected 20 minute road closure will take place at a time between 11:00 and 15:00. This range of time is necessary to facilitate the range of security and safety procedures which must be observed although it is important to note the road will not be closed from 11:00 to 15:00.
One of the main factors dictating the time of each blast is the timetable of the Belfast to Dublin train. It is most likely for the blast and the expected 20 minute road closure to be at some point between 13:30 and 14:30.
Immediately following the blast two teams of workers will inspect the closed section of road and remove any rock debris and reopen the road to traffic as quickly as possible.
Roads Service highlight that the proposed system is the only practical one given the quantity and characteristics of the rock. The process has been successfully employed on the A1 – N1 Newry to Dundalk dual carriageway scheme.
The contract project team met with the District Council last December and explained disruption would be an inevitable consequence of this operation for traffic on each approach to Cloghogue Roundabout while the charge is fired.
There is nevertheless a financial incentive on the Contractor to minimise this disruption particularly if the closure period exceeds 30 minutes.
Queries relating to the Blasting Operations should be directed to the main construction site offices at Beechill Newry, Tel: 028 30313300.
Notes to Editors:
This work will be carried out by Amey Lagan Roads Limited, the company now responsible of the Operation and Maintenance of A1 North of Beechill.
Notice of the “Blasting” operation will be provided via a number of fixed signs along the approach routes detailing the date of the next operation. The variable message signs which have been provided on the A1 and N1, supplemented by an additional portable variable message sign will also be used to inform the motoring public.
A trial blast was undertaken on 23 April 2008 in the vicinity of Derrybeg lane but was remote from passing traffic.
Media queries to: Press Office, Tel 028 90 540887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
