Council gets update on infrastructure projects for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council members have been updated on programmed infrastructure works for the area by the Department for Infrastructure.

Speaking as she addressed council members this evening, Divisional Roads Manager Deidre Mackle said:

“Earlier this month main construction work on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme began, representing an investment of £160 million.  Work will take place on the sections from Randalstown to Toome and from Moyola to Castledawson Roundabout. This Executive Flagship project will deliver reductions to journey times by at least a quarter, remove serious bottlenecks and improve road safety for the 18,000 people using the road on a daily basis.

“On the Toome to Randalstown section of the scheme, much of the enabling works including fencing and alterations to utility services are now substantially complete to allow earthworks to commence this summer.

“In addition, over the next year, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area will see work begin on a number of road improvement schemes including resurfacing schemes at A6 Brecart Roundabout, Toome; B152 Oriel Road, Antrim and; C19 Ballyhill Road, Ligoniel.”

Ms Mackle also said:

“However, the indicative budget outlined by the Secretary of State in April does mean that there are likely to be knock-on impacts for services including routine maintenance of the road network. In this area, the Department is likely to be reliant on additional resources becoming available. We understand the implications of the limited service and its long term impacts on the network and we are doing our best to deliver routine maintenance within the allocated budget.

“The Department’s objective is to continue to deliver routine road maintenance services at the current level for as long as possible. While services will be constrained, we are planning to meet all essential public safety requirements.”

Concluding, Deidre Mackle said:

“It is also worth noting other projects in the area recently completed, including a significant £1 million resurfacing scheme on the A8 from Corr’s Corner Roundabout to Houston’s Corner Roundabout.  A 1.1 kilometre shared pedestrian/cycle way has also been constructed on A57 between Templepatrick and Ballymartin Park and Ride at a cost of £300,000.  This facility will provide enhanced linkage from Templepatrick village to the Park and Ride facility and is in line with the Department’s policy of encouraging sustainable transport.

“Other significant sections of carriageway resurfacing were also carried out on the A57 Templepatrick Road, Ballyclare; B518 Ballycraigy Road, Antrim; B93 Ahoghill Road, Randalstown; B154 Carnaghliss Road, Crumlin and; B95 Doagh Road, Ballyclare.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.     
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra  

Share this page