Northern Ireland slashes its major roads prioritisation programme

Written By Paul Wheeler

Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure has published a significantly reduced prioritised list of major road schemes, saying the major roads programme as previously set out is no longer sustainable nor appropriate.

DfI says prioritising the development and delivery of major road schemes has been necessary because of the Department’s challenging budgetary position, along with constrained resources and commitments under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022.

 

This combination of factors, says DfI, has changed the landscape considerably.

 

Road schemes to be prioritised are:

 

  • A6 Randalstown/Castledawson

  • A6 Derry/Dungiven Phase 1

  • A5 Western Transport Corridor

  • A6 Derry/Dungiven Phase 2

  • Belfast Rapid Transit 2

  • Lagan Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge

  • Newry Southern Relief Road

  • A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass

  • A29 Cookstown Bypass

Work will also continue on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme, to finalise the Business Case and complete the preparation of the contract documents. In addition, current work streams will also be completed on York Street Interchange and A32 Cornamuck schemes.

 

All other schemes, DfI has confirmed, will be paused and their place on a future major works programme will be informed by the Department’s emerging transport plans and any decision by a future Infrastructure Minister.

Paul Wheeler
Previous

New rail link connects Northampton rail freight interchange to West Coast main line
Next

West Midlands moves to docked e-scooter hire scheme with extra safety checks