AQW 14634/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/09/2024
Answered On Date: 24/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions he will take to improve road safety on the A1 between Dromore and Newry, including the (i) enhancement of white line markings; and (ii) replacement of non-functioning road reflecting studs.

Answer:

The A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme, which aims to provide further safety improvements along the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland, is currently moving forward to the procurement process.

The proposals include the provision of 4 new grade separated junctions, the closing up of all gaps in the central reservation and the provision of a continuous central reserve safety barrier along the whole route. Other significant improvements are also included.

I recently made an announcement in the Assembly on 2 July 2024 stating that the scheme will now progress to the final delivery stage as a single package of works with ringfenced funding going forward.

Preparation for the procurement process is moving forward at pace, involving the finalisation of the contract documents, in readiness for a formal procurement competition in 2025. The documents are substantially complete.

Construction of the whole scheme is expected to take three years resulting in an opening date in Spring/Summer 2029.

The full proposals can be viewed via the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a1-junctions-phase-2-overview

The road markings and studs are inspected on an annual basis. The most recent inspection is from September 2024. A programme of repairs is being arranged and will be completed by end of October, subject to favourable weather.