Swann welcomes ‘beginning of end of Frosses blackspot

Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Member and Chairman of the Stormont Committee for Employment and Learning, has “warmly welcomed” the announcement by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy of the start of advanced works on the £65 million A26 Glarryford to Drones Road dualling scheme.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2014, 07:29 BST

Assemblyman Swann, who is also North Antrim UUP Chairman and Party Chief Whip, said he hoped the start of the scheme “will mark the beginning of the end of the notorious Frosses Road accident blackspot which has claimed so many lives over the decades”.

Mr Swann added that these advanced works include site clearance, the removal of vegetation, the erection of the site boundary fence and archaeological investigations. The works will be carried out by, Patrick Bradley and Sons.

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Commenting on the works, Minister Kennedy said: “These advanced site clearance works are vitally important for the progression of the A26 dualling as they will allow the Department to secure the schemes site boundary and carry out archaeological investigations along the scheme prior to contract award.”

It is anticipated that construction of the dual carriageway will commence towards the end of this year. During these works a 40mph speed restriction will be in place along this stretch of the A26.

Mr Swann said: “I warmly welcome the announcement of the start of this much-needed scheme by my party colleague and Stormont Minister Danny Kennedy, who has made visits to this part of North Antrim to see the situation for himself.

“Unfortunately, this particular piece of road has gained the notorious reputation as being one of the worst accident blackspots, not just in North Antrim, but right across Northern Ireland.

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“While we are thankful that this scheme is shortly to get underway, at the same time, we must remember the families and friends who have lost loved ones or had them injured at this Frosses Road section over the decades.

“Hopefully, this scheme will not just be seen as another piece of roadway to improve safety, but could be viewed as a fitting memorial to those victims of this terrible accident blackspot.

“Until the scheme is fully completed and operational, I appeal to the community to be extra vigilant and careful when travelling on this dangerous stretch of road,” said Assemblyman Swann.

Related topics:Robin SwannDanny KennedyUlster Unionist Party