Green light for A1 Junctions road improvement scheme
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon today announced that the A1 Junctions Phase 2 road improvement scheme will progress.
The Minister has carefully considered and accepted the outcome of the Public Inquiry and has confirmed the progression of the scheme in readiness of funding becoming available.
Making the announcement in a statement to the Assembly today, Minister Mallon explains, “I am delighted to announce this key step in the development of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme, which aims to address safety issues along a 25km stretch of the A1 between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland.
“I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are for the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially to all those who have lost loved ones.
“Progressing a scheme of this scale represents a significant investment in this strategic road which links Belfast and Dublin and carries around 40,000 vehicles per day.
“The provision of the upgrade will greatly improve road safety for all of these motorists as well as providing more reliable journey times for the thousands of travellers using the route daily.
“My announcement to proceed with the scheme also delivers on promises made to our citizens in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, to improve connectivity and safety on this strategically important transport corridor for our island, helping to improve the lives of all our citizens,” she adds.
A Public Inquiry was held in March 2020 into the proposed scheme and the Inspector reported his findings to the Department in October 2020.
Following an examination of the issues raised, the Minister has accepted the Inspector’s recommendations and has confirmed the scheme should progress, subject to completing all of the necessary statutory processes and securing the necessary funding.
The Department will now publish the formal “Environmental Impact Assessment: Notice to Proceed” and will make the Direction Order and the Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) Order for the scheme.
The consultation will continue with key stakeholders particularly landowners affected by the scheme proposals to minimise any related impacts.
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Jan 28 2021. Filed under Community, Politics.
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