The Stormont Executive has this afternoon formally approved the upgrade to the notorious A5 road which has claimed dozens of lives in recent years.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said the project is about “saving lives”.
He said the first part of the project will begin between Strabane and Ballygawley, which is half of the total project, as this is where many of the deaths and injuries have taken place on the road.
The Minister said the first notice of planning will go out on 14 October, with construction to begin “early in the next year”.
He added that the executive has spoken with “one voice” to get the road built.
Mr O’Dowd said the first section of the project covers “over half of the total project, 34 miles out of the total 53 miles”.
He added that he will make formal decisions on the remainder of the project in due course.
The Minister said the total cost of the project is still to be finalised following engagement with contractors, but that his department are currently projecting a cost of £1.2 billion.
“I am confident that we will be able to secure the funding, and have the funding to move forward with that is what is a vital piece of infrastructure within this society,” he said.
Asked about when the road upgrade will be complete, O’Dowd said: “You’re looking at probably five years of intensive construction work along this part of the route.”
“And after that there will be some continuing work.” he added
First Minister Michelle O’Neill O’Neill said the upgrade is a “good news story” and should be vindication for all those who have campaigned on the issue as well as those who have lost their lives.
She said she regrets it has taken so long.
“Vesting of land is difficult for families and for farmers in many cases the land has been in families for many generations… but ultimately this road will benefit everyone throughout Northern Ireland.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the A5 upgrade will be good news for “people in the west of the province and indeed across Northern Ireland”.
She said it will “improve connectivity” and “address road safety issues”.
She adds the project is “very much what this executive is about”.
The DFM added that is a “strong message” from a united Executive and the upgrade will offer safe connectivity for those who use the road.
“But of course to the land owners and to the farmers it’s very difficult.”
Tags: