Work Starts On New Slip Roads At Antrim Area Hospital

12 June 2006
WORK STARTS ON NEW SLIP ROADS AT ANTRIM AREA HOSPITAL
Work began today to mark a one year scheme to provide new slip roads at Antrim Hospital.
Mayor of Antrim, Alderman Samuel Dunlop, said that the works were of "significant importance". He said: "This project has considerable local support from Antrim Council and from the Hospital Authorities and I am pleased to see work started. The provision of the new slip roads will improve access between Antrim hospital, the local road network and the M2 motorway. "
Roads Service Head of the Eastern Division, Dr Andrew Murray said: "These works are part of the package of improvement measures on the M1, Westlink and M2, that continue the strategy of improvement to the strategic route network in Northern Ireland. "
Mr Murray explained that construction of the slip roads would be carried out with minimal disruption to traffic, as the works were largely off-line. Also, access through the works and to the hospital for emergency vehicles, patients, staff and visitors would be maintained throughout construction.
The work is being carried out under a Public Private Partnership contract that has been let to the Highway Management Group (HMG). A spokesman for HMG said: "At Ł3Million this contract is small in value compared to the other schemes within the package. It is, however, of no less importance and we are keen to complete this part of the work as quickly as possible."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The proposed scheme will have roundabouts on either side of the M2 linked by the existing Crosskennan Bridge across the motorway. There will be new slip roads onto the M2 Motorway at Antrim Hospital. The scheme includes a new roundabout on the north side of the carriageway linking Glenmullion Road, Niblock Road and the off-slip and new eastbound on-slip to the M2 towards Belfast. The existing hospital roundabout will be enlarged to facilitate the new westbound on-slip to the M2 towards Randalstown.
2. The scheme is part of a package of improvement works funded by the private sector using a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) type of contract.
3. Roads Service DBFO Package 1 also includes major works to improve the M1 and Westlink and to widen the M2 motorway between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.
4. The contract will include the maintenance of some 60 km of motorway and trunk roads for a period of 30 years.
5. Roads Service DBFO Package 1 has been awarded to Highway Management Group, which is an international consortium comprising John Graham (Dromore) Limited, Northstone (NI) Ltd (formerly Farrans Ltd) and Bilfinger Berger.
6. Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9054 0817.

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