Department set to begin procurement for plan to close A1 gap junctions
The Department for Infrastructure is soon to start seeking contractors to close gap junctions along the A1.
The minister Liz Kimmins announced the move today after signing a vesting order for the land involved, saying “the intention [is now] to start procurement for a site clearance contract”.
The plan, which has been about two decades in the making, is to get rid of remaining gaps in the central reservation along the A1, which runs for over 30 miles from Lisburn to the south Down border.
These gaps, allowing traffic to cross the live carriageway, have long been blamed for accidents.
They will be replaced by “grade seperated junctions” (basically flyovers).
This is Phase 2 of the scheme.
Phase 1 began in 2008 and saw flyovers replace gaps at Dromore Road outside Hillsborough, Banbridge Road outside Dromore, Dromore Road outside Banbridge, and Dublin Road outside Loughbrickland.
Phase 2 focusses on the 16-mile stretch of the A1 between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland.
Ms Kimmins said: “I am acutely conscious of the lives tragically lost and permanently changed on this route, and of the profound and lasting impact on families and communities.
"Every death on our roads is one too many, which is why improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured remain among my foremost priorities.
“The A1 is a strategically important route, forming part of the Eastern Seaboard Corridor and providing a vital connection between Belfast and Dublin.
"With up to 40,000 vehicles using sections of the route each day, the delivery of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme is one of my ministerial priorities.
"I therefore welcome the further progress being made towards these essential safety improvements.
“Following a positive outcome in the Court of Appeal recently regarding the A5 Western Transport Corridor, this vital road safety project now moves into the final delivery phase, which commences with the vesting order being made in advance of construction.”
The estimated cost has ballooned over the years, according to roads expert Wesley Johnston, going from around £67m in 2019 to between £125m to £150m today.
In January 2025, Ms Kimmins had paused progress on the A1 scheme while she waited for the Court of Appeal to rule on whether the upgrades to the A5 could legally proceed.
"We have to await the Court of Appeal's ruling," she said at the time.
"It is important that we consider it fully when looking at the next steps for all major roads projects, because we do not want to be in a scenario where we face challenges on everything.”
Writing on his website, a few weeks ago, Mr Johnston said: “Now that DfI has won its appeal against the A5 court ruling the outlook for this scheme is good, with the award of the tender, first advertised in December 2024, no longer held up by the legal proceedings.”