The A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue Road Improvement project involved a significant upgrade of the existing carriageway, including the construction of a new 4km by-pass at Newry and 16 new bridges along the 12km route – including a 190m long viaduct crossing a major road, river and canal.
Commissioned by DRD Roads Service, the project is part of the £250 million DBFO Package 2 Project being delivered by Amey Lagan Roads Ltd. on a Design, Build, Finance and Operate basis. The new works were constructed by Lagan Ferrovial, designed by RPS, with the routine operation and maintenance carried out by Amey Inter Urban Division.
The main work commenced at Newry in early 2008, and the size and complexity of the project presented a number of challenges for the delivery team. Construction was carried out whilst the route was in use by in excess of 20,000 vehicles per day and a detailed traffic management strategy had to be developed. The project also involved a significant volume of earthworks operations, with large rock cuttings at Newry Railway Station and Cloghogue Mountain, producing 600,000m3 of rock, which was reused within the scheme construction. The rock blasting was carried out adjacent to the live A1 traffic. Thus safety of workers and the public during rock blasting was a key issue for the delivery team.
This landmark project, an important investment in the strategic infrastructure of Northern Ireland, is a reflection of the strength, expertise and knowledge of the construction joint venture and everyone associated with its delivery.
The completion of this final stretch of dual carriageway between the two cities was welcomed by politicians from North and South, led by Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. On the opening of the new road, Martin McGuinness said: “Transportation infrastructure is a key factor in sustainable economic growth. This stretch of road is an essential element of the development of dual carriageways and motorways along the Eastern Seaboard, connecting Larne through Belfast to Dublin and on to Rosslare. This will not only reduce transport times and costs, but create opportunities along the seaboard, linking the major ports and our economies.”
Contact:
Jennifer Douglas, Associate, West Pier
T:01 4882900
E: jennifer.douglas@rpsgroup.com