The announcement that upgrading of the A6 Derry to Belfast road is to begin in October has been criticised by SDLP Infrastructure spokesperson, MLA Daniel McCrossan.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard yesterday confirmed £160 million would be invested in the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme which would see a 7.3km dual carriageways developed between Randalstown and Toome and 7.4km between Toome and Castledawson.
However, Mr McCrossan said the work would only address nine miles of road, “a fraction of the required upgrade.”
He added, “Someone needs to tell Mr Hazzard that the A6 does not end at Castledawson, it continues for around 40 miles before reaching Derry.
“The coupling of this nine mile stretch of road between Randalstown and Castledawson is far short of what Sinn Fein promised to people west of the Bann during the election.
“At no point does the Minister say that this is the first stage in the total upgrade. It would seem his plan is to do the bare minimum and let his party spin it as mission accomplished.
“We must also question why this development is taking place closer to Belfast than to Derry when the Minister claims that his goal is to address the economic neglect of the West.”
Mr McCrossan concluded: “This announcement will be disappointing for the people of Dungiven who are still waiting for a bypass and by everyone who will continue in a single lane of traffic over and beyond the Glenshane Pass.”
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