A6 dualling work could start in April

By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jan 2016, 15:40 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2016, 15:43 BST
The A6 is one of the busiest roads in Northern Ireland.The A6 is one of the busiest roads in Northern Ireland.
The A6 is one of the busiest roads in Northern Ireland.
Work will start this year on major improvements on the A6 between Belfast and Londonderry.

It is thought work could begin as early as April on dualling the section of the A6 between Randalstown and Castledawson, at a cost of £120-£140 million and with a build time of 24 months.

The news has been welcomed by Freight Transport Association who say the improved road will bring economic and road safety benefits

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Seamus Leheny, FTA’s Policy & Membership manager for Northern Ireland, said: “We have lobbied for improvements to this route for a long time so we are delighted to see them finally happen. The A6 has been a constant source of frustration to our members in Northern Ireland due to the long delays many of them suffer when transporting goods on this road. An improved and more efficient A6 will not only reduce costs but will open up the north west region for investment, as the ability to get goods to market efficiently and cheaply is a key criteria in attracting such investment and growth.

Flashback to last year when then Transport Minister Danny Kennedy announced that the contract for the development of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Project has been awarded to the Graham/Farrans Joint Venture. Pictured with Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy (right) are John Wilson, Farrans (left) and Leo Martin, Graham Construction. Picture: Michael CooperFlashback to last year when then Transport Minister Danny Kennedy announced that the contract for the development of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Project has been awarded to the Graham/Farrans Joint Venture. Pictured with Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy (right) are John Wilson, Farrans (left) and Leo Martin, Graham Construction. Picture: Michael Cooper
Flashback to last year when then Transport Minister Danny Kennedy announced that the contract for the development of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Project has been awarded to the Graham/Farrans Joint Venture. Pictured with Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy (right) are John Wilson, Farrans (left) and Leo Martin, Graham Construction. Picture: Michael Cooper

“The improvements will also bring road safety benefits as most of the current A6 is single-carriageway, with HGVs over 7.5 tonnes restricted to a maximum speed of 40mph while cars are restricted to a maximum 60mph. This not only leads to long tailbacks, but dangerous overtaking manoeuvres by some car drivers. The new dual carriageway will enable safer overtaking opportunities while goods vehicles can travel at a more efficient speed.

Mr Leheny concluded: “We will continue to lobby for further improvements to the A6, with particular emphasis on bringing forward plans for the development of a dual carriageway by-pass of Dungiven, which already suffers from heavy traffic and vehicle pollution.”

Related topics:WorkBelfastNorthern Ireland