Alliance Upper Bann MLA, Eóin Tennyson, has welcomed the Infrastructure Minister's announcement that the embargo on the A1 Phase 2 Road Safety Improvements project will be lifted.

The second phase of the project to enhance safety along the A1 dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland will involve closing gaps in the central reservation and installing a continuous central safety barrier.

In a statement, Mr Tennyson said: "The A1 continues to be one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads and has been the scene of heartbreak for too many families. Progress has been long-overdue and faced numerous delays, including the repeated collapse of the Assembly in recent years. It is welcome that today the Minister has decided to lift the embargo on proceeding with the A1 safety improvements and that this project will proceed in one package rather than a phased approach.

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"It is thanks to the tireless work of local campaigners that we’ve been able to reach this point today, and it is in their name these crucial safety upgrades will finally be carried out."

Alliance Banbridge Councillor Joy Ferguson, who has been heavily involved in campaigning for further A1 upgrades, added: "This is an incredibly welcome update, and I want to pay particular tribute to the efforts of those families and campaigners who have helped keep the A1 on the agenda. Not least Monica Heaney, who has led the way in ensuring the Minister prioritised this project. Monica’s steadfast endeavours undoubtedly mean that road safety will be improved along the A1 in the future."