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The A8 is a strategically important road within Northern Ireland. The existing road is single carriageway with a high number of existing side road junctions and private accesses. The dual carriageway scheme involves the widening of 14km of the A8 between the B95 Coleman’s Corner Junction and the B100 Ballyrickard Road junction which will complete the dualling of the Eastern Seaboard key transport corridor.
Arup were commissioned to undertake the design manual for road and bridge work (DMRB) Stage 1, 2 and 3 scheme assessment for the project. The team took the scheme from an early feasibility assessment of possible corridors, to the recommendation of a preferred option. Stage 3, – culminating with the publishing of draft orders. Arup are undertaking the role of Employer’s Agent and managing the construction works on behalf of the client.
Public inquiry
The scheme received over 200 objections from affected landowners and concerned individuals. Arup met with all objectors, reducing the number of objections to 40, which were heard during the 2-week long public inquiry (PI), and also provided all expert witness support during the PI.
“I wish to...express my appreciation for the excellent work carried out by your team who, in co-operation with Roads service staff, have delivered a really excellent piece of work within a very demanding timescale. ” John White Director of Strategic Programming, Roads Service
CEEQUAL Interim Award
In Jan 2012 the project was awarded a CEEQUAL Interim Award – Excellent (82.6%) for the stage 1-3 development of the scheme.
At the outset of the commission, the NI Roads Minister announced that this scheme would ‘break all records’ and ‘delivered more quickly than any project before’. Following these statements the scheme was subject to an accelerated programme for delivery, which Arup successfully achieved.
