The Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister says “huge progress” has been made on the £220m A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dualling scheme.
Nichola Mallon MLA met with project director Michael Troughton and contracts manager Juan Rodriguez-Altonaga Martinez during her visit to the dual carriageway, which includes a bypass of Dungiven town in its design.
In addition to improving traffic flow in the area, the scheme is also set to benefit public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians. To date, almost one third of the main carriageway’s 15.9-miile long surface has been laid.
“The A6 is a strategically important route as it connects the North West to Belfast and beyond so I am delighted to confirm that huge progress that has been made on this vital scheme,” said Minister Mallon.
“The existing road carries around 15,000 vehicles per day and with traffic levels continuing to grow, the very significant investment of £220m from my Department will help to address regional imbalance, contribute to the economic development of the area, and bring long-term benefits to road users and local communities.
“Work commenced in September 2018 and I am pleased to say that the project is now very well advanced with the earthworks, drainage and all twenty-two of the structures along the scheme substantially complete.
“The pavement construction is also progressing well with more than 30% of the surface course already laid along the main carriageway.”
When work on the A6 project has been completed, three quarters of the road network linking Northern Ireland’s two largest cities will be “of dual carriageway standard or better”, said the Minister.
“As well as improving the standard of carriageway along the A6, both schemes also provide enhanced provision for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists,” she continued.
“My officials and the contractor have worked hard to minimise any inconvenience for the public and I want to thank them for all their efforts.
“I look forward to the completion of this scheme as it will significantly enhance the connectivity of the north-west, improve journey time reliability, reduce journey times and crucially improve road safety.”
