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The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 19 December 2005:"You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding when he expects the Department for Regional Development Roads Service works on the A26 to conclude, and what the expected final cost is. I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.""Current work on the A26 at Ballynaloob between Ballymena and Ballymoney involves the construction of a ““2+1”” carriageway to create a safe overtaking opportunity for Ballymoney bound traffic, starting at Dunloy crossroads and continuing for some 1.6 kilometres towards Ballymoney. This is part of our programme to improve overtaking opportunities on single carriageways by widening of stretches to provide two lanes of traffic in one direction and one lane in the other.""An adjacent scheme to improve the Dunloy crossroads is being constructed at the same time. This is being undertaken in light of the poor safety record at the existing junction.""It is proposed to open the A26 at Ballynaloob to two-way traffic by 23 December 2005. However, finishing-off works including hedge and tree planting will continue for a few months after Christmas but most of this will be undertaken without the need for a diversion. The total cost for both schemes is expected to be £3.3 million.""I hope this information is helpful." |