A new dual carriageway has been approved for one of Belfast's busiest roads.

Roads Minister Conor Murphy confirmed plans for a major works scheme at A2 Shore Road, Greenisland would go ahead.

The Minister's announcement follows a public inquiry held into the proposals.

Mr Murphy said: "I am well aware of the strong support for this scheme, given the significant improvement it will bring to regular users of this route and the economic benefits for Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey."

-- Advertisement --

The scheme, due for completion in 2013, will improve the flow of traffic on the A2 Shore Road from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown to Seapark, Carrickfergus.

Twelve houses and a commercial unit will be demolished to make room for the new route.

The Minister said the scheme strikes the right balance between "the benefits to the wider public and effects on landowners" and would benefit many people.

He said: "The proposal has been thoroughly evaluated and I am satisfied that it provides the best overall solution to this longstanding problem."

The department proposes to proceed with the scheme to detailed design, incorporating amendments highlighted in the Departmental Statement, which is available now that the Notice of Intention to Proceed and the making of the Direction Order have been published.

The construction stage of the works is likely to take up to two years to complete.

(PR/JM)