The breakthrough means HMC are ahead of programme and there are plans to allow traffic through the new underpass in late summer.
"I continue to be impressed by the work ethic and professionalism of all who are associated with the Project,” the Minister said. "The preparation and planning to build a road of this magnitude while accommodating the travelling public has been excellent. I would like to congratulate HMC for this latest milestone which is ahead of schedule."
-- Advertisement --
The project which started in February 2006 is now in its 100th week and the overall completion for all of the works is November 2009. HMC is a joint venture of local contractors; John Graham (Dromore) Limited and Farrans Construction along with German contractor Bilfinger Berger.
HMC Project Director, Leo Martin, said: "This has been a difficult milestone to achieve and we are all delighted to have reached this stage.
"Broadway roundabout was particularly challenging as it required the diversion of both the Blackstaff and Clowney Rivers as well as moving electricity pylons and numerous other services before the piling works to the underpass could be completed," Mr Martin said.
The method of construction involved a technique known as "top-down construction", which was necessary due to the constraints of maintaining traffic flow across Broadway between the M1 and the Westlink. In this process the roof slab was constructed first and then the excavation completed beneath it. This method significantly reduced the interface with the travelling public.
(JM)
