The Minister confirmed the delay in response to an Assembly Question from Mr Tennyson, citing an ongoing legal appeal in relation to the A5 project.
Phase 2 of the A1 scheme would deliver critical safety upgrades along the dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland, including the closure of dangerous central reservation gaps and the construction of new grade-separated junctions.
Mr Tennyson said, “This decision is profoundly disappointing and, frankly, difficult to justify. The A1 continues to be one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads and has been the scene of heartbreak for too many families.
“The proposed scheme for the A1 is a critical safety project, it is not a new road. Given the urgency and the clear public safety implications, the Minister should proceed rather than allow yet another avoidable delay. Repeated collapses of the institutions has already stalled this project for too long, and the community cannot be expected to wait any longer.
“Campaigners, bereaved families and local residents have been unwavering in their demand for progress. The Minister must treat this issue as the priority it is. Alliance will continue to press for immediate action to ensure these long-promised improvements are delivered without further prevarication.”
Phase 2 of the A1 scheme would deliver critical safety upgrades along the dual carriageway between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland, including the closure of dangerous central reservation gaps and the construction of new grade-separated junctions.
Mr Tennyson said, “This decision is profoundly disappointing and, frankly, difficult to justify. The A1 continues to be one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads and has been the scene of heartbreak for too many families.
“The proposed scheme for the A1 is a critical safety project, it is not a new road. Given the urgency and the clear public safety implications, the Minister should proceed rather than allow yet another avoidable delay. Repeated collapses of the institutions has already stalled this project for too long, and the community cannot be expected to wait any longer.
“Campaigners, bereaved families and local residents have been unwavering in their demand for progress. The Minister must treat this issue as the priority it is. Alliance will continue to press for immediate action to ensure these long-promised improvements are delivered without further prevarication.”