Rock netting works to start on Coast Road

Work to install safety netting to the rock face at Garron Point on the Coast Road is to take 10 weeks to complete.

The Department for Regional Development Roads Service has engaged a specialist contractor to undertake this £130,000 scheme, at the southerly end of Garron Point. The 10-week scheme aims to stabilise the heavily weathered basalt rock face and minimise any future potential risks to road users.

Traffic will be diverted along the adjacent Tower Road route which adds approximately four minutes to the journey time.

Divisional Roads Manager. Deidre Mackle, said: “This work, involving a specialist rock netting contractor, aims to install 2,800 square meters of retention netting to a basalt outcrop some 90 metres above the main A2 Coast Road.

“It is hoped, that with favourable weather conditions, this high access work will be completed in 10 weeks.

“In order to undertake the project safely it will be necessary to close the A2 Coast Road at Garron Point for 10 weeks.

“Roads Service apologises for any inconvenience this may cause to road users during the works. In order to minimise disruption the adjacent Tower Road will be signposted as a diversionary route.

“Roads Service will ensure all works are completed in a manner sensitive to the unique environmental aspects of this Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.”

This work follows the successful 2010 scheme at the northerly end of Garron Point.

No further rock falls have occurred at that location since the specialist contractor removed loose rocks and installed rock face netting.

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