The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) has chosen a £160m Dualling Scheme in Northern Ireland as the feature project for a poster campaign highlighting the positive impact of civil engineering.

Around 18,000 road users currently take the route every day, which often experiences congestion at key times.

The £160m A6 Randalstown to Castledawson upgrade, which is being undertaken by a joint venture team between Farrans and Graham, will bring major road benefits, with future journey times reduced by around 25%.

The project will also improve several of Northern Ireland's main commuter routes by strengthening the links between Belfast and Derry.

Over the next four years, the works will be delivered in two parts; 7.3km between Randalstown and Toome and 7.4km between Toome and Castledawson.


Vicki Johnston, Public Liaison on the project, highlighted that the benefits brought by the scheme are not restricted to just road-users.

She said: "By improving the A6 transport corridor between the two major cities, this scheme will bring long term safety benefits to both the local community and commuters, but the scheme has the potential to bring major social and economic benefits to the local community, too.

"We can reduce social isolation and entice more business investment in the local area – improving the quality of life for the local community."

During the course of the project, the Joint Venture team has ensured that communications are fluid between contractor and local community, with a dedicated liaison position.

Vicki Johnston continued: "We prioritise strong communication with the wider community.

"In recent months, for example, we've informed the residents and schools about the creation of borrow pits on-site, which allows the sustainable sourcing of existing materials to be used in the construction of the new road.

"We are keen to show the community that we are working hard on a daily basis to realise all the potential benefits of this project."

The scheme is due to be completed by 2021.

(MH)