Kennedy announces appointment of contractor for A26 dualling scheme

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy MLA has announced the appointment of consortium BAM/McCann as construction contractors for the A26 dualling project.
Minister Danny Kennedy.
 Photo by Stephen Hamilton  PresseyeMinister Danny Kennedy.
 Photo by Stephen Hamilton  Presseye
Minister Danny Kennedy. Photo by Stephen Hamilton Presseye

The eight kilometre scheme represents an investment of £55million, including land acquisition, and will see the upgrading of the existing single carriageway to dual carriageway between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road Junction.

The scheme will closely follow the existing road alignment.

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Announcing the contract award, Minister Kennedy highlighted the importance of the scheme: “This is a strategically important route which links Belfast to the north coast of Northern Ireland and its most popular tourist attractions.

“The existing road carries around 18,000 vehicles per day and with traffic levels continuing to grow, this very significant investment will help improve road safety, reduce congestion and improve journey times.

“I congratulate the BAM/McCann consortium on its successful bid for this scheme. I am confident that the construction contract for this scheme will help to secure jobs in the local construction industry and in turn contribute towards the continued economic development of Northern Ireland.”

Work is expected to start by the end of this year, running for a period of 28 months, with completion expected in early to mid 2017.