NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy has announced that the contract for the £113m A8 Belfast to Larne dualling project has been awarded to the consortium Lagan/Ferrovial/Costain.

The scheme will dual the 14km section of the A8 between the B95 Coleman’s Corner Junction and the B100 Ballyrickard Road Junction.

The Minister said: "I welcome the appointment of this contractor to assist in the delivery of this important project, which will complete the dualling of the A8 between Belfast and Larne. This is a strategically important route for the North, which links the Port of Larne to Belfast and on to Dublin.

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

The contract will be carried out in two phases. The first phase 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.

Mr Murphy added: "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.

"The construction phase will be particularly welcome in the current economic climate and when started will likely generate in the region of 200 jobs."

The preferred route was announced in August 2009 and, since then, extensive consultations have taken place. Roads Service remains committed to continue consultations with all landowners and businesses that are impacted by the scheme.

(NS/GK)