First bridge to open on the A6 Randalstown – Castledawson Dualling Scheme

With the recent good weather the Department for Infrastructure’s contractor is making good progress on the construction of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling scheme.

In particular, commuters will have seen significant progress being made on a number of new overbridges along the new route with the first of those, the Ballynafey Bridge, set to open on Monday 16 July 2018.

This bridge will carry traffic from the Ballynafey and Ranaghan roads over the new dual carriageway and it will enable the important link for the local community between Moneynick Road and Staffordstown Road to be maintained.

The opening of the Ballynafey overbridge will allow the temporary closure of Derrygowan Road from 16 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.  This will enable the new carriageway embankment works and completion of the Derrygowan overbridge and the permanent ‘stopping up’ of Gallagh Road from the 16 July 2018.

The A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme will upgrade this Key Transport Corridor used by 18,000 vehicles each day, by reducing journey times and improving journey reliability.  It will also improve safety through the dualling of this section as it will segregate strategic and local traffic.

Notes to editors: 

1. Project Key facts

• The scheme will provide approximately 14.7 kilometres of new dual carriageway; 7.3 kilometres between Randalstown and Toome and 7.4 kilometres between Toome and Castledawson.
• The A6 scheme will improve journey times on a Key Transport Corridor, which will enhance connectivity and unlock economic potential across the whole region.
• During the construction phase, the scheme is supporting the construction industry and local jobs and is delivering a direct economic benefit of £2.30 for every £1 of capital investment.
• So far, the project has provided local employment opportunities to 18 education leavers / long term unemployed, 7 Apprentices, 16 Student Placements, 17 Work Experience Students and has assisted 4 University research projects.
• The project was recently shortlisted for the NI GO AWARDS for Sustainable Procurement.
• The site has been visited by local Schools, Colleges and Universities to see first-hand the construction works, with over 110 educational visitors to date.

2. More information on the scheme is available on the Department’s website at: A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme 
3. Further information is also available from the contractor website at a6rcdualling at or by calling the Scheme helpline number - 028 9039 4090.
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 via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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