The A6 between Londonderry and Dungiven is an important part of the North Western Transport Corridor, connecting Belfast and the North West via Toome, Maghera and Dungiven. The corridor is of strategic economic importance, providing an essential road link between the Belfast Metropolitan Area and the North West.
Scheme details
The A6 Londonderry to Dungiven Dualling scheme is being delivered in 2 Phases:
Phase 1: Dungiven to Drumahoe
- Cost – Approximately £260M
- Length – 25.5 kilometres
- Type – Dual Carriageway
- Status – Dual carriageway was opened to traffic on 6 April 2023.
Phase 2: Caw to Drumahoe
- Cost – Approximately £200M
- Length – 7 kilometres
- Type – Dual Carriageway
- Status – In Planning
Key dates
- May 2009 - Preferred route announced.
- January 2011 - Statutory Orders published.
- September 2012 - Public inquiry held.
- January 2017 – The then Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard MLA announced that the Department should take forward the procurement of the 25.5km section of the A6 Derry to Dungiven dualling scheme between Dungiven and Drumahoe (Phase 1).
- August 2017 – The Vesting Order to acquire the land for the proposed dualling scheme on the A6 between Dungiven and Drumahoe was made.
- 19 September 2017 - The Vesting Order to acquire and purchase the land for this section of dualling came into effect.
- 28 March 2018 - Contract awarded to SWS
- 26 September 2018 - Construction Commencement
- 6 April 2023 – Phase 1 – Dual carriageway opened to traffic.
Update 13 December 2017
In January 2017 the then Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard MLA announced that the Department should take forward the procurement of the 25.5km section of the A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling scheme between Dungiven and Drumahoe.
The Vesting Order to acquire and purchase the land for this section of dualling came into effect on the 19 September 2017. See the link below to the Press Release.
Procurement of this section of the scheme has commenced with a restricted list of construction contractors bidding for the works. Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process it is anticipated that construction works will commence in the Spring of 2018 and will take up to 4 years to complete.
It is estimated that this section of the scheme will cost in the region of £230m to £255m.
The Department is continuing to undertake surveys and collect further environmental information along the planned corridor of the scheme between Dungiven and Drumahoe. Geotechnical and ecological investigations/surveys have now been completed by the Department, though advanced archaeological investigations are ongoing and will continue into 2018. Additionally, advanced vegetation clearance is currently under consideration and likely to take place in early 2018. Upon award of contract, the appointed contractor shall also be required to undertake a range of pre-construction surveys as necessary, which would likely take place throughout the year.
Officials are in detailed discussions with affected landowners with regards to compensation for the compulsory acquisition of land and property. Land & Property Services (LPS) are acting on behalf of the Department in relation to negotiation of claims and general valuation advice.
Further information is available at:
Update 28 March 2018
The contract to design and construct the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dual carriageway was awarded to Consortium Sacyr Wills Somague on 28 March 2018. Detailed design has now commenced, along with the development of scheme programme, which will identify sequencing of the construction works. Advanced vegetation clearance also took place in early 2018.
Update 27 November 2018
The Department has undertaken surveys and collected further environmental information along the planned corridor of the scheme between Dungiven and Drumahoe. Geotechnical and ecological investigations/surveys have also been completed by the Department.
The official sod cutting took place on the 26 September 2018, marking the official commencement of the scheme. DfI Roads staff were joined by representatives from Sacyr, Wills Bros and Somague, the contractor consortium for the scheme, staff from AECOM, the consultant for the scheme, as well as Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor, Brenda Chivers and Derry City & Strabane Deputy Mayor, Derek Hussey.
Scheme construction started in September with site clearance, fencing and earthworks getting underway along a 1.3km section close to Foreglen.
Update 5 February 2024
Phase 1
- The dual carriageway for Phase 1 of the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven Dualling Flagship scheme, between Dungiven and Drumahoe, was opened to traffic on 6 April 2023.
Phase 2
- Part of the works for Phase 2 of the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven Flagship scheme, between Caw and Drumahoe, will encroach on the illegal waste site at Mobuoy and the final design will need to take this into account. The Department is currently working with the NIEA and other stakeholders, to progress the remediation of this site. This integrated approach will ensure that any remediation proposals take account of each parties’ requirements, including those associated with the A6.
- Delivery of this phase of the project, which is not part of the current Phase 1, Dungiven to Drumahoe construction contract, will depend on a range of factors including the completion of the remediation of the Mobuoy waste site and future Budget settlements.
About the scheme
The proposed road would be key in developing the socio-economic growth of Londonderry, and building on its importance as a gateway and hub for Northern Ireland.
- A6 Londonderry to Dungiven - Scheme brochure
- A6 Londonderry to Dungiven - About the scheme
- Map showing the route of the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling scheme
A6 Londonderry and Dungiven - animated flythrough video
Community involvement
DfI Roads held several community information events at key stages to facilitate community involvement in the decision making process.
Scheme assessment reports
DfI Roads has carried out a comprehensive appraisal of the project. Scheme assessment reports summarise the more technical reports generated during the appraisal process.
Statutory Orders and Environmental statement
Dfi Roads published draft Statutory Orders for the project in December 2011. The draft Vesting Order to compulsorily acquire the land necessary to build the scheme has been published in three parts to allow staged construction.
Health impact assessment
Dfi Roads prepared a non-statutory Health impact assessment for the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling scheme.
Statement to Inform Appropriate Assessment
Appropriate Assessment is required when any plan or project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, is likely to have a significant effect on a European site.
Public inquiry
A Public inquiry sat for six days between 24 September 2012 and 2 October 2012 to examine the case for and against the scheme.
Inspector's report and decision
After considering the Inspector's report, the Department will decide to confirm, modify or reject the scheme.
Updated February 2024