News Release Page Title

1 April 2005

NEW CLIMBING LANE ON THE BELFAST TO COLERAINE ROAD

Minister of State, John Spellar, MP, today announced a £1.5 million investment to improve an important strategic transport link between Belfast and Coleraine, on the A26 between Ballymena and Ballymoney, at Ballinaloob.

The scheme will commence on the 18 April 2005 and is part of a continuing Roads Service initiative to improve overtaking opportunities on the single carriageway sections of the Province’s Key Transport Corridors, by constructing localised stretches of 2+1 carriageways. The work involves the widening of stretches of single carriageway road to provide two lanes of traffic in one direction and one lane of traffic in the other.

The Minister said: "The 1.5 kilometre long climbing lane will start at A26/Station Road/Ballinaloob junction and continue northwest towards Ballymoney, improving overtaking opportunities for Ballymoney bound traffic by making it easier and safer for traffic to overtake slow moving traffic travelling uphill towards Ballymoney."

Maxwell, part of the Northstone (NI) Ltd group, will construct the climbing lane and the contract is due to be completed by November 2005. The works will be phased to minimise disruption to traffic on this busy route.

Drivers are asked to take care when driving through the works and to obey the temporary 40mph speed limit.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The scheme involves asymmetrical widening of the 1.5 kilometres of the A26 Belfast to Coleraine road, between Ballymena and Ballymoney.

  2. The widened road will be divided into three lanes by white lines, to provide two lanes uphill and 1 lane downhill.

  3. The contract requires the contractor to provide two lanes for traffic during peak periods. The contractor may find it necessary to use traffic signals at other times to regulate the speed and flow of traffic and to provide a safe working environment for his workmen.

  4. During specific operations, it will be necessary to employ traffic diversions.

  5. For media enquiries contact Paddy Cullen, DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0817.

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