The major improvement scheme will provide a direct connection from the A26 Ballee Road East dual carriageway, underneath the Larne Road Roundabout to the M2 Ballymena Bypass.
The Minister said: “I am pleased to announce the award of this contract which will improve journey time reliability and safety for those using the strategic A26 route linking Belfast to the northeast and on to Derry.
“Construction of the scheme will start in early June 2009 and take about 10 months to complete. 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 scheme will improve safety; assist economic growth by reducing journey times; reduce congestion and delays and accommodate increasing traffic flows. Fitted into the local topography, the scheme will conserve and enhance the environment whilst making best use of the existing strategic road network. These objectives align with the DRD’s policy set out in the ‘Regional Transportation Strategy 2002-2012’.
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: Emma Flynn-Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0007.
