Two major accidents have occurred on the road this week, prompting Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty to call for greater urgency on the proposed scheme from Sprucefield to the border with County Louth.
The works will involve the closure of all central reservation crossings meaning no more u-turns or right turning out of junctions onto the A1. Approximately 21 junctions will also be upgraded to operate on a 'left in - left out' only system and 10 other junctions will be closed permanently. New safety barriers are to be installed in the central reservation to help improve driver safety.
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Mr McNulty said: "The upgrade works are essential and are welcome. However, the scheme is still at development stage with works not planned to commence until 2021. This is too long; we need a greater sense of urgency.
"I know many of the families who have lost loved ones or who have had friends and family seriously injured on the A1. All have firmly stated that if the road was safer, there would not have been an accident. For this reason alone, I believe every effort must be made now to ensure the road is much safer for all who use the route as soon as possible."
(CM/MH)
