19/11/2013

A26 Scheme To Go Ahead

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced his decision to proceed with the £65m A26 dualling Glarryford to Drones Road scheme.

The scheme will provide approximately seven kilometres of new dual carriageway from the Glarryford junction to Drones Road.

The Minister said: "This new all purpose dual carriageway will help reduce journey times and will improve road safety along the A26 which is the key transport route between Belfast and the north coast of Northern Ireland which has many popular tourist attractions. This main road connects the major hub towns of Antrim, Ballymena and Coleraine and currently carries 18,000 vehicles per day.

"I have accepted the Department’s conclusion that this scheme will not adversely affect the integrity of the Main Valley Bogs, Special Areas of Conservation, after considering the information presented within the Environmental Statement and the Appropriate Assessment carried out in accordance with national and EC Habitats Legislation."

Work on the scheme could start in late 2014.

(IT/CD)

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