Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has detailed the progress of a £3.2 million investment scheme in the Newtownabbey area.

The Minister told Newtownabbey Borough Council significant progress has been made on major road widening works along the M2 corridor.

Mr Murphy welcomed news that the Hightown Bridge was reopened to traffic, four months ahead of schedule, in early September.

He said similar bridge replacements over the M2 are progressing well at Collin, and Longlands bridges.

It is expected work on both bridges will be finished in early in 2009.

Minister Murphy suggested work to improve the M1/Westlink is heading towards completion.

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"This capital project is on target to be finalised in early 2009 when its full potential will be realised. Following the opening of the Broadway Underpass in July, work is now nearing completion on the Broadway Roundabout," he said.

The Minister said preparatory work on the proposed widening of the A2 Shore Road at Greenisland is ongoing.

"Draft Statutory Orders to provide a continous four lane road between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey were published in March 2007 and a Public Inquiry was held the following October," he explained.

"Following consideration of the Inspectors Report, a Departmental Statement was issued. This was followed by publication of the Statutory Notices, the Notice to Proceed and Direction Order on 1 October 2008."

"Roads Service will further develop the road design and carry out an economic appraisal prior to making the final Statutory Notice, the Vesting Order in 2009/10. Subject to the availability of funding and awarding of the works contract in 2010/11 it is anticipated that construction will be completed by 2012/13," added Mr Murphy.

(PR/JM)