The contract is now 26 weeks into a very tight 120-week programme which involves upgrading to dual carriageway standard some 3.5km of the A2, between Jordanstown Road and Seapark.
Improvements will also include four new roundabouts at Shore Avenue, Shorelands, Station Road, Greenisland and Seapark junction.
Minister Kennedy said: "Progress to date on this scheme has been very impressive. Up to the end of July approximately 65,000 man hours have been worked on the scheme, which equates to 36 man years.
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"The site has been cleared, excavation of earthworks carried out and construction of accommodation works is ongoing at many adjacent properties. An extensive programme of works within the University of Ulster and Belfast High School grounds have been completed within their summer holiday periods.
"I would like to thank property owners and the travelling public for their patience while these works are constructed within very tight and difficult constraints. Once completed, this scheme will significantly ease the long-standing traffic congestion on this busy route which carries around 35,000 vehicles each day."
As part of the contract, Graham Construction is providing employment opportunities for the unemployed and students.
(CD/JP)
