£113 million dualling project contract awarded to Lagan / Ferrovial / Costain

Contract will dual the A8 between Belfast and Larne.

Consortium Lagan / Ferrovial / Costain has been awarded a £113 million contract to dual the A8 between Belfast and Larne.

The scheme will dual the 14km section of the A8 between the B95 Coleman’s Corner Junction and the B100 Ballyrickard Road Junction. The construction phase will be likely to generate around 200 jobs.

The first phase of the contract is to assist Roads Service and their scheme consulting engineers in the development of the design, and progressing the project through the necessary environmental, planning and land acquisition statutory procedures. The second phase is the construction of the dual carriageway.

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy said: "With traffic levels continuing to grow, a dual carriageway will improve safety, reduce congestion and improve journey times on this vital route."

"Roads Service has selected an innovative approach to the delivery of the A8 through the early appointment of the contractor. This will allow the contractors team to contribute to the development of the design, and will give them the opportunity to consider construction issues early on in the project."

Further information:
Northern Ireland Roads Service