Northern Ireland`s transport minister has announced the route of a £113 million road which, when built, is set to complete the duelling of the carriageway between Belfast and Larne.
The new 14km section of the A8, which is used by 17,000 vehicles a day, will be an upgrade of the existing single carriageway with by-passes integrated to the east of Bruslee and the west of Ballynure.
As he confirming the route Connor Murphy said the improved transport links would offer huge benefits for the local economy.
The minister added: “The A8 Belfast to Larne between Coleman’s Corner roundabout and the B100 Ballyrickard Road junction will improve road safety and reduce journey times, benefiting both the travelling public and the business community.”
He also revealed that identifying a preferred route for the road had been a major challenge but he felt the final decision would balance traffic, environmental and engineering issues and provide an economically viable solution.
Landowners affected by the scheme will be contacted for consultation before it work begins in 2013-14.
