Work begins on A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling Scheme

Work has begun on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dualling scheme.

Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Brenda Chivers, Northern Divisional Roads Manager David Porter and Derry City and Strabane Deputy Mayor Derek Hussey cut the first sod on construction of the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe

The 25.5 kilometre scheme represents an investment in the region of £220 million, including land acquisition. The project will construct a high standard dual carriageway between Drumahoe and Dungiven, including a bypass of Dungiven, with roundabouts connecting the scheme to the existing road network at either end.

The scheme will be completed by a contractor consortium of Sacyr, Wills Bros and Somague.

Speaking as he joined local representatives to cut the first sod, the Department’s Northern Divisional Roads Manager David Porter said:

“The A6 is a strategically important route as it connects the North West to Belfast and beyond. The existing road carries around 15,000 vehicles per day and with traffic levels continuing to grow, this very significant investment will greatly improve road safety and journey times by reducing congestion. 

“The construction of this road will help to secure jobs in the construction industry, contribute to the economic development of the region and bring long term benefits to road users and local communities.” 

Work is expected to take up to four years to complete.

Notes to editors: 

1. In December 2011 the Department published the Draft Statutory Orders for the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven scheme. These were the Environmental Statement, the Draft Direction Order and the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order. Subsequently, a public inquiry into the scheme proposals was held in September/October 2012.
2. After considering the findings of the Public Inquiry, the Department announced in February 2016 that the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme would proceed, subject to availability of funding. At the same time, the Departmental Statement, setting out the Department’s response to the recommendations of the Public Inquiry Report was published.
3. An exercise exploring the extent of the initial phase of A6 improvement scheme concluded that the funding could deliver the 25.5km between Dungiven and Drumahoe. 
4. Budget approval for the project funding was agreed by the NI Executive through its 2016-17 Budget, published on 19 January 2016, which not only provided funding for the 2017-18 year, but also agreed budget up to 2020-21 for a number of ‘Flagship Projects’ of which the A6 was one.
5. The Vesting Order for this section was made on 15 August 2017 and came into effect on 19 September 2017.
6. Advanced site clearance and archaeological investigations have been completed at targeted locations along the new route, prior to the main construction works.
7. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
8. The Department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the Department’s internal records management system. The Department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The Department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website.
9. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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