A1 Junctions Phase 2 - overview
This scheme aims to provide further safety improvements along the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland. The improvements will include the provision of new grade seperated junctions, the closing up of all gaps in the central reservation and the provision of a continuous central reserve safety barrier along the whole route.
EU funding was granted for development studies only for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme.
Current position
The 'preferred option' has been developed to the stage where the Department published the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and draft Statutory Orders in March 2019. The draft Statutory Orders comprise a Notice of Intention to Make a Direction Order, a Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order and a Notice of Intention to Make a Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) Order.
A 14 week public consultation period provided an opportunity for everyone to have their say and the Department invited the public to submit any views, comments or concerns on the scheme proposals. The consultation period on the EIAR and the draft Orders ended on 28 June 2019.
Further to this consultation, the Department convened a Public Inquiry into the scheme. The Inquiry ran from 11 to 13 March 2020. The Inspector issued his report to the Department on 19 October 2020. The Department carefully considered the Inspector’s proposals and recommendations and issued the Departmental Statement on 28 January 2021. Additional information regarding the Public Inquiry and the Notice to Proceed can be found at the links below.
On the 28 January 2021 Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced that the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement scheme should progress.
The Minister having carefully considered and accepted the outcome of the Public Inquiry confirmed progression of the scheme in readiness of funding becoming available.
Subsequently the Department has made the following Direction Order (Statutory Rules)
- The Trunk Road T4 (Loughbrickland to Hillsborough) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021, and
- The Private Accesses on the Trunk Road T4 (“the A1 Junctions Phase 2 – Loughbrickland to Hillsborough”) (Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
The above Statutory Rules came into operation on 16th July 2021 and 24th June 2021 respectively.
The Statutory Rules as noted above and associated maps are available to view online at;
The former Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd, on 2 July 2024, announced in the NI Assembly that the scheme would proceed to the procurement stage. The procurement process commenced in December 2024 and the Department expects the contract to be awarded in 2026 with construction expected to take a further three years to build the scheme. However, due to the A5 judgement the scheme has been delayed with legal advice being sought on a way forward.
For further information on the scheme please contact the A1J2 Project Manager at: Major Projects South, DfI Roads, Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon BT64 1AD or email Southern.SRI@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
Cost
The cost of the Proposed Scheme is estimated to be in the range of
£120 - £130 million.
Notice to Proceed
Public Inquiry on the Draft Orders and EIAR
Consultation on the Draft Orders and EIAR
Other Scheme Documents
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 - stage 3 scheme assessment report
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 - stage 2 scheme assessment report
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 - stage 1 scheme assessment report
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 - Record of Determination
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 - SECTION 75 Equality of Opportunity Screening Analysis Form
Guidance for Land Owners
Previous Community Consultation
The documentation from previous community consultation is available at:
Last updated February 2026