ABC council welcomes commitment to A1 junctions scheme with summer 2007 commencement target
Councillor Joy Ferguson has welcomed a commitment that the Department for Infrastructure is still giving priority to an A1 junctions scheme designed to enhanced safety on the major route.
The Alliance representative for Banbridge DEA made her comments as Cindy Noble, divisional roads manager for Southern Division, presented her annual report 2026/27 to ABC Council’s October 26 meeting.
Councillor Ferguson commented: “With regard to the A1, I understand the minister is considering the outcome of the A5 judgement and, according to this report, subject to a business case and statutory procedures, the invitation to tender will be issued.
“When the minister decides a way forward, could I ask that Southern Division would inform this chamber of the decision and the latest information and timelines to delivery?
“There are many members in this chamber that have lobbied for the A1 improvements for Phase 2, and we just would like clear information and no more false starts on this much-needed project.”
The divisional roads manager replied: “In relation to the A1, I can give a commitment that we will come back to the chamber and update full council in relation to the programme for the A1 junctions. And so that will be done once that’s been finalised.”
The relevant section within the annual report describes the A1 scheme as follows: “This proposal, which is estimated to cost in the range of £120m – £130m (currently under review), involves the construction of four grade-separated junctions (flyovers) to facilitate the closing up of all openings in the central median and installation of a continuous central median concrete safety barrier along a 25-km stretch of the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough Roundabout and Loughbrickland, improving road safety for all road users on the A1.
“The grade separated junctions will be located at Listullycurran Road, Gowdystown Road, Skeltons Road/Drumneath Road, and Waringsford Road.
“In addition, the proposal includes the provision of a northbound on-slip from the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, a link road from the Milebush Road to the existing Hillsborough Road junction at Dromore, and the closure of nine road junctions along this section of the A1.
“All other roads will then operate on a left in/left out basis. A number of private accesses onto the A1 are also proposed for closure.
“Whilst the procurement process commenced in December 2024 with the Department expecting the contract to be awarded in 2026, due to the A5 Western Transport Corridor (WTC) judgement [which had blocked plans for the A5], the scheme has subsequently been delayed.
Favourable Decision
“Subject to a favourable decision on the A5 WTC appeal, approval of the Business Case, clearing the remaining statutory procedures and the necessary funding being made available, the Department would move to issue the Invitation to Tender, and the making of the Vesting Order with an anticipated construction start date of summer 2027.”
The divisional roads manager summarised some of the key points within the annual report as follows: “Although a formal Executive budget has not yet been agreed, an indicative allocation of approximately £98 million has been identified for structural maintenance.
"Included within this funding is £22.5 million for a Roads Recovery Fund to support priority resurfacing, roadside stability and drainage improvement schemes.
“Over the past year, resurfacing schemes were successfully completed on the A29 Moy Road, Armagh, and the B2 Derrymacash Road. Additional resurfacing schemes are planned this year, including the B78 Coolmillish Road, Markethill, and Princess Way, Portadown.
“The Department remains focused on maintaining public safety, protecting the transport network and addressing regional imbalance. Additional investment is being directed towards priority maintenance activities, including improvements to road signs, road markings and patch repairs.
“However, the Department continues to operate within a constrained resource budget and, as a result, the limited-service policy will remain in place for routine maintenance activities such as defect repairs, grass cutting and gully emptying.
“Grass cutting will continue to focus on safety-critical locations, with visibility splays on heavily trafficked routes cut at least twice per year and once annually elsewhere where it is safe to do so. This approach seeks to balance road safety improvements with environmental considerations and biodiversity objectives.
“Additional resources have also been allocated to improve patching programmes, drainage maintenance, signage repairs and road marking renewals.
“Looking ahead, the Department is developing Transport Strategy 2035. In fact, the minister launched this consultation for the policy today, which will establish a long-term vision for Northern Ireland’s transport network.
“The strategy aims to support economic growth, strengthen regional balance, improve connectivity and encourage more sustainable travel choices.
“Alongside this work, local transport plans are being developed in partnership with councils to better align transport investment with local development priorities.
“The Everyday Active Travel Urban Delivery Plan will provide a framework for the development of Active Travel networks over the coming decade. We will continue to invest in pedestrian infrastructure and work with councils to support local greenways and Active Travel priorities.
“Road safety remains a key priority. The rollout of part-time 20 mph school safety zones is delivering positive outcomes, helping children, parents and school staff feel safer when travelling to and from school.
“During the past year, two additional schools within the borough received part-time 20 mph limits, bringing the total delivered since 2021 to 273 schools.
“The Department’s speed limit review consultation, launched earlier this year, is currently being considered, with responses being assessed to inform future policy decisions.
“The Local Transport and Safety Measures programme continues to deliver important road safety improvements, with requests for footways, traffic management measures and other local schemes assessed and prioritised within available funding.
“Projects planned this year include a puffin crossing at Scarva Road, Banbridge, at St. Patrick’s College, and a signalised junction upgrade at Church Street/Hanover Street, Portadown.
“In terms of major projects, the Department remains committed to progressing the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project, which will provide significant safety benefits to those travelling to and from the area."
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter