A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling - overview | Department for Infrastructure

This scheme consists of dualling the A8 between the B95 Coleman’s Corner junction and the B100 Ballyrickard Road junction.

Scheme overview:

The A8 is a strategically important road within Northern Ireland and this stretch of the A8 currently carries in excess of 17,000 vehicles per day. With traffic levels continuing to grow, traffic congestion will increase and road safety will deteriorate. It is important to the economy of Northern Ireland that the port of Larne is serviced by an efficient road link.

Scheme summary:

upgrade 14km of existing route to dual carriageway standard

Current status:

constructed

Key dates

21 May 2008 - Community information day
November 2008 - Stage 1 Report published.
11 and 12 November 2008 - Stage 1 public exhibition held.
5 August 2009 - Stage 2 Report published (preferred route)
5 and 6 August 2009 - Preferred route exhibition held
26 January 2010 - Phase 1 contract for the A8 dualling project has been awarded to the consortium Lagan / Ferrovial / Costain
January 2011 - Environmental statement, the Notice of Intention to Make a Direction Order (NIMDO) and the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order (NIMVO) published
25 and 26 January 2011 - Public exhibition of the draft Orders and Environment statement held at at Corr's Corner Hotel
15 June 2011 - Public Inquiry held at Corr's Corner Hotel
May 2012 - Inspector's report and Departmental statement published
30 July 2012 - Phase 2 contract (construction) for the A8 dualling project has been awarded to the consortium Lagan / Ferrovial / Costain
August 2012 - Construction commenced
9 February 2015 - Transport Minister opens Ballynure Bypass
16 December 2015 - Scheme opened

Scheme documents:

Archaeology

Uncovering the history below the A8 Dual Carriageway - Ballynure in the Bronze Age is now available as a book and poster.

Updated 4 February 2019

A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling - overview