The public are being asked to submit their views on a £67 million A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme.
A public consultation commences today (Monday, March 25) and will run until June 28.
The A1, which links Belfast and Dublin, with some sections at the Northern end carrying approximately 40,000 vehicles per day.
The main proposals for the improvement scheme 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.
There are also plans for a new link road from the Milebush Road to the existing Hillsborough Road Junction at Dromore;
Closure of nine selected side roads with improvements to the remainder of side roads which will operate for left-in / left-out turning movements only; Closure of a number of Private Accesses along the route with the remainder operating for left-in / left-out movements 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.
Following the public consultation, the Department will attempt to resolve any objections raised.
Depending on the number and nature of objections, then it may be necessary to hold a Public Inquiry.
If a Public Inquiry is held, the Department will consider the findings of the Inspector’s Report before deciding whether to publish a Notice of Intention to Proceed with the scheme and complete the statutory procedures by making the final Vesting Order and Direction Order.
Members of the public are asked to submit their views by letter or email. Details are available at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a1-junctions-phase-2-overview.
The documents are also available to the public throughout the statutory consultation period at:
DfI Roads offices in Marlborough House, Craigavon;
DfI Roads Lisburn Section Office;
DfI Roads Carn Section Office;
DfI Headquarters, Clarence Court, Belfast;
the offices of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon District Council in Banbridge; and
the offices of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in Lisburn.
