06/09/2001

Campbell reveals update on major road scheme

Regional Development Minister Gregory Campbell has unveiled an update to a £15 million scheme for the A1 at Beech Hill during a visit to Banbridge District Council.

The proposal to construct six miles of dual carriage between Loughbrickland and Beech Hill was included in the current Roads Service Major Works Preparation Pool.

The Minister said: "Roads Service is arranging for the public inquiry into the Environmental Statement to be held later this year and hopes to hold the inquiry into the draft Direction Order immediately afterwards.

"The earliest start date for the scheme is expected to be late 2002. However, this depends on the outcome of the public inquiries and is subject to the successful completion of land acquisition."

While maintenance of the roads network continues to be a top priority for the Roads Service, the Minister admitted that existing levels of funding fell far below those required to maintain and to improve the road network to a proper standard. (MB)

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