The Upper Bann MLA was speaking during an adjournment debate he brought before the Northern Ireland Assembly on the issue. The A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme would create a central reservation barrier between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland, and introduce four new grade separated junctions.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Tennyson said: “Despite being a strategic transport corridor, the A1 remains one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads. It has been the scene of too many heartbreaks and tragedies, with 40 deaths over a 17-year period.
"Safety upgrades have been touted since at least 2007. Despite the strong support from across our community, progress has been painfully slow, with many false starts and false dawns due to repeated collapses of the Assembly.
"Work had been due to finally start this spring. However, the Minister has taken the baffling decision to pause the scheme for a further twelve months pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge into the A5. This decision is unjustifiable. The two projects are not in any way comparable. The A5 is a new road, and the A1 junctions scheme is about making improvements to an existing road. The Minister can and should move forward without further prevarication or delay.
"We were honoured to be joined by Monica Heaney in the public gallery for the debate. The dignified efforts of campaigners like Monica, who lost her son Karl on the road in May 2018, have kept this issue on the agenda.
"No family should have to endure that pain. The costs of inaction are far too great. Alliance will continue to press for promises made to campaigners and the local community to be honoured, and for this project to commence immediately.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Tennyson said: “Despite being a strategic transport corridor, the A1 remains one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads. It has been the scene of too many heartbreaks and tragedies, with 40 deaths over a 17-year period.
"Safety upgrades have been touted since at least 2007. Despite the strong support from across our community, progress has been painfully slow, with many false starts and false dawns due to repeated collapses of the Assembly.
"Work had been due to finally start this spring. However, the Minister has taken the baffling decision to pause the scheme for a further twelve months pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge into the A5. This decision is unjustifiable. The two projects are not in any way comparable. The A5 is a new road, and the A1 junctions scheme is about making improvements to an existing road. The Minister can and should move forward without further prevarication or delay.
"We were honoured to be joined by Monica Heaney in the public gallery for the debate. The dignified efforts of campaigners like Monica, who lost her son Karl on the road in May 2018, have kept this issue on the agenda.
"No family should have to endure that pain. The costs of inaction are far too great. Alliance will continue to press for promises made to campaigners and the local community to be honoured, and for this project to commence immediately.”