A6 road to Derry "could open" by end of April

There has been widespread frustration over delays to the long-awaited A6 road, which was due to open last autumn.

The 15-mile stretch is part of the A6 upgrade linking Derry and Belfast.

The new stretch of road mostly runs parallel to the existing road and includes a bypass at Dungiven.

The road initially opened with speed limits and lane restrictions for a short period in summer 2022, but closed again as work continued.

Work on the road started in 2018, with an estimated cost of £220m, and had been due to be completed early 2022.

Almost five years on, there have been calls for a public inquiry into ongoing delays to the project's completion.

The department initially said key aspects of the project were not yet finished and blamed global supply chain pressures and the impact of Covid-19 for the hold-up.

They have recently confirmed the road is "largely complete" with the exception of road signs and street lighting connections.

A DfI spokesperson said: “The Department completely understands the frustration of all those impacted by the ongoing works on the A6 including the travelling public, local businesses and people living in the area.

"We know they have waited a long time for the A6 upgrade to be delivered and understandably want to know when it will open.

"The scheme is well advanced and mainline construction work is now largely complete with the exception of a proportion of road signs and street lighting connections.

"We have recently commenced the road safety audit process, which must be completed before the road can be opened.

"Subject to any unforeseen circumstances, the current programme indicates the road could open at the end of April.”

Local MLAs have contacted the DfI on numerous occasions regarding the delays and completion of the road.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan addressed the issue to the department just weeks ago citing, "the failure to complete the A6 project and address countless complaints around safety along the route cannot be excused."

The Foyle MLA said: “I’ve repeatedly called for an urgent review of current mitigations yet despite assurances from both the department and contractors to improve temporary traffic management measures (TTM), they remain problematic. Their failure to implement an adequate safety framework is putting lives at risk.

“It’s frustrating that critical road infrastructure linking Northern Ireland’s two biggest cities has in essence come to a standstill.

"While the pandemic may have initially disrupted activities on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling Scheme, issues impacting delivery pre-existed COVID.

"The reality is that contractors have not been on site in recent months. The department has been unable or rather unwilling to provide an explanation as to why that is.

“I’m disappointed that my concerns, and the concerns raised by so many of the public, remain unaddressed.

"The lack of delivery around the A6 isn’t just an issue which impacts on people’s daily commute but strangles opportunities for investment and economic prosperity for the North West.

“While I acknowledge the insurmountable challenges facing the department at this time, people deserve transparency and clarity around the completion of this long promised and long overdue project.”

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald, also stated that "drivers are increasingly frustrated at the delay in opening the long-awaited A6 upgrade and Dungiven bypass."

The East Derry MLA said: “Commuters in Dungiven and the north west are becoming increasingly frustrated at delays in the completion of the A6 and Dungiven bypass.

“Long delays have become the norm in and around Dungiven while a brand new road remains unopened.

“Party colleagues and I will meet senior officials in the department over the next short while and will emphasise the need for better communication with the community and road users."