One million man-hours have been spent on the £137 million M1/M2/Westlink upgrade in Belfast.

Speaking during a visit to the M1/Westlink site, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the progress being made: "We have achieved a significant milestone of one million man hours. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the contractors HMC and their 400 strong workforce in meeting key deadlines and remaining on target for completion in early 2009. I would also like to thank the public for their patience while the works continue to progress well."

In October the new Grosvenor Road Bridge was opened to traffic for the first time and earlier this month the temporary bridge that kept the Grosvenor Road open for the last year was removed.

“Over the next six months the final layout of the road will start to take shape with the completion of major elements of the M1/Westlink Scheme. The next major milestones include the completion of Roden Street Footbridge, Stockman's Lane Bridge, Stockman’s Lane Junction and Grosvenor Road Junction,” said Mr Murphy.

-- Advertisement --

When the underpass at Broadway is completed in 2009, traffic will be able to travel uninterrupted along this entire section of road and York Street junction will be the only traffic signal controlled junction remaining on the motorway network.

Mr Murphy said: "I realise that when the current road works are completed traffic will be able to travel much quicker along Westlink to York Street junction. I am satisfied that this will be able to cope with this increase traffic flow in the short term. However, the longer term solution involves grade separating this junction and Roads Service expects to appoint a consultancy firm to develop this major road improvement scheme in the next few weeks. We expect this proposal will cost around £50 million."

The HMC Project Director, Leo Martin, said: "I welcome the one million man-hours worked on the project without any serious injury to the workforce. However I must stress that there is no room for complacency regarding health and safety matters. I would urge motorists in particular to be mindful of the temporary speed limits and the workers behind the cones particularly in these winter months. With regard to the progress there is much done and much still left to do. However we remain on target and look forward to another busy year ahead."

(JM)