Proposals have been brought forward to link the M1 motorway and A1 at Sprucefield.

Roads Minister Conor Murphy said the "high standard" scheme could be delivered between 2014 and 2018, should it pass the necessary public scrutiny and statutory processes.

Mr Murphy said a £8.3m investment by Roads Service in the Lisburn area had seen a number of junctions along the A1 between Sprucefield and Newry reconstructed to grade separated standards.

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The junction at Dromore Road, Hillsborough was opened to traffic in September.

"During the summer months Roads Service also took advantage of reduced traffic volumes on the M1 motorway to construct a four kilometre long safety barrier between Junction 6, Saintfield Road and Junction 3, Black's Road," he said.

Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the completion of a roundabout with a fully signalised junction at the Wilmar Road and McKinstry Road in the city.

He said:"The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive.

"However, Roads Service is planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from council on its programmes."

(PR/KMcA)