Department outlines next steps for the A1 Junctions scheme

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and draft statutory orders for the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement scheme will be published in March 2019.

This commencement of the statutory procedures will be followed by a further public consultation which will provide everyone with an opportunity to have their say on the updated scheme proposals. Details of the 2019 public consultations will also be published in March with all details on the departmental website once available.

Following the public consultation, the Department will attempt to resolve any objections raised. If significant objections are raised to the proposed scheme then it may be necessary to hold a Public Inquiry.

These are key steps that need to be completed to progress this scheme which aims to deliver further safety improvements over the 25 kilometre stretch of the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland.

The main proposals include:

• Closure of all gaps in the central reserve and provision of a continuous central reserve safety barrier between Hillsborough Roundabout and Loughbrickland;
• The construction of a further four new flyover type junctions at: Listullycurran Road; Gowdystown Road; Skeltons Road/Drumneath Road; and Waringsford Road;
• A northbound on-slip to the A1 from Castlewellan Road, Banbridge;
• A new link road from the Milebush Road to the existing Hillsborough Road Junction at Dromore;
• Closure of a number of side roads with improvements to the remainder of side roads which will operate as left-in / left-out only;
• Closure of a number of Private Accesses along the route with the remainder operating as left-in / left-out only;
• Closure of all mainline bus-stops with new bus stops provided at the four new grade separated junctions; and
• Provision of a number of driver information and communication systems at strategic locations along the route to improve safety and efficiency.

In advance of this main improvement scheme the Department has already closed up a number of gaps in the central reservation on the A1 and installed central reserve safety barrier at three locations between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland over the last two years, totalling approximately 5 kilometres.  Work on further sections of central reserve safety barrier is due to commence on Monday 4 March 2019.

 

Notes to editors: 

1. Before construction of any major road scheme can proceed the Department must make a number of statutory orders and seek approval for the EIA. The EIA analyses the predicted environmental effects the scheme would have and measures proposed to reduce or eliminate those effects.
2. The A1, which links Belfast and Dublin, is part of the Eastern Seaboard Key Transport Corridor, with some sections at the Northern end carrying approximately 40,000 vehicles per day.
3. All project information is available at: A1 Junctions Phase 2 Overview.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
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