Progress on a carriageway widening scheme along the M5 will be dependent on an archaeological investigation, the Roads Minister has said.

Discussing a series of schemes totalling £4.5m in the Newtownabbey area, Conor Murphy said preliminary work on the Jordanstown and Seapark project is continuing.

This will provide a continuous four lane road between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey.

Mr Murphy said: "In June 2009, a geotechnical investigation was completed along the route and an archaeological investigation is planned for early next year.

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"Subject to funding being available for vesting of land, an economic appraisal will be completed before the Vesting Order, which is the final Statutory Notice, is made."

Other improvements have been completed on the M2 to provide three lanes in each direction between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.

"Major milestones were delivered ahead of the programme and the overall scheme officially opened on 9 June 2009 - some two and a half months ahead of programme," said the minister.

Road Service's Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt, said work is still underway on Phase 1 of a carriageway widening and footway provision scheme at Park Road, Mallusk.

He said a central hatching scheme and right turn pockets on the Antrim Road at Chimney Corner will also be undertaken.

A new footway provision at Ballyeaston along the Lower Ballyboley Road, Dickeystown will also be installed during this financial year.

(PR/KMcA)