Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the success of a £7.2m improvement scheme in Lisburn.

Mr Murphy told Lisburn City Council of the progress made on the M1 Westlink project.

"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.

"At the same time, an important package of seven graded junction upgrades is underway along the A1 corridor. Like the M1/Westlink project, these improvements are being funded by the private sector under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) using a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) form of contract."

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The Minister said: "Three junctions have been recently completed with a further four to be delivered by December 2009, including that at Dromore Road, Hillsborough. This contract also includes maintenance of the M1 motorway between Sprucefield and Dungannon, the A1 between Sprucefield and the border and the A101 Sprucefield Link.

"Further construction works include a scheme to dual the A1 road between Beech Hill and Cloghogue. The upgrade of this section will, in turn, complete provision of an uninterrupted dual carriageway between Lisburn and the border.

He added: "Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include safety barrier provision/replacement at Thiepval Road and Colinglen Road; a junction improvement on the B154 at Quarterland Road/Budore Road, Hannahstown; a collision remedial scheme at Hillhall Road, Hannahstown and parapet replacement at Young's Bridge, Lisburn."

(PR)