Work has now completed on a major project to upgrade a 15km stretch of the strategic route linking Belfast with north west Northern Ireland, which promises more reliable journeys for motorists.
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon officially opened the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme ahead of the removal of the final temporary traffic management and cones from the site over the weekend.
The opening comes four years after work started on the project, which was split into two sections. Traffic was able to start using the first phase between the M22 at Randalstown and Toome – north of Lough Neagh – in summer 2019.
A further milestone was reached in November last year when traffic was switched onto two lanes of the second phase – built offline – from Toome to Castledawson.
Nichola Mallon said final completion of the £189M scheme is “fantastic news” for the 22,000 vehicles using the route each day. “Car users, freight and public transport services along this route will benefit from shorter, safer and more reliable journey times,” she said.
She also welcomed ongoing work to dual a further 25.5km of the A6 between Dungiven and Drumahoe, which is set to open next year. “The construction of both these schemes will improve connectivity, contribute to the economic development of the area and bring long term benefits to road users and local communities,” said the Minister. “Crucially they will also improve road safety and improve regional balance.”
The Randalstown to Castledawson project was build by a joint venture of Graham Construction and Farrans, working alongside consultant AECOM and designers Arup and Roughan & O’Donovan.
Graham Farrans JV’s board director Leo Martin said: “Since first breaking ground in summer 2017, we have overcome multiple engineering challenges and managed the project through strategic weekend closures to maximise safety and productivity throughout the project.”
(Photograph: Department for Infrastructure)
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