����ý

An upgrade to one of Northern Ireland's busiest roads, the A1 dual carriageway, has been given ministerial go-ahead.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has approved work to improve safety on a 15.5 mile (25km) stretch between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland.

The road links Belfast to Dublin and carries about 40,000 vehicles a day but has seen many fatal collisions.

A woman whose son died in a crash on the road three years ago said the news was bitter sweet.

The minister said she accepted the outcome of a public inquiry held in March 2020.

Ms Mallon said the scheme should progress, subject to funding.

She said: "I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are for the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme, especially to all those who have lost loved ones.

"The provision of the upgrade will greatly improve road safety for all of these motorists as well as providing more reliable journey times for the thousands of travellers using the route daily."

Karl Heaney, from Warrenpoint, County Down, died in a crash on the A1 between Banbridge and Dromore in May 2018.

His mother, Monica Heaney, has campaigned for safety issues to be addressed on the road.

She said: "Most of the families that I know know that their [loved ones'] deaths could have been avoided.

"It is very hard when you know you deserve to be protected, when you know a death could be prevented because of safety issues it is so hard to accept.

"So I know they will probably be delighted it is going ahead, but again very sad that it takes so long for everything to be worked out."

The scheme is expected to cost in the region of £65-75m.

Ms Mallon said: "My announcement to proceed with the scheme also delivers on promises made to our citizens in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, to improve connectivity and safety on this strategically important transport corridor for our island, helping to improve the lives of all our citizens."