Graham in £3m deal to extend M1 and M2 bus lanes

CONSTRUCTION giant Graham is to carry out a major £3m project to extend bus lanes on two local motorways.

The Co Down firm has won a tender with the Department for Infrastructure which will see the extension of hard shoulder bus lanes along the M1 and M2. On the M1, the existing Belfast-bound bus lane will be lengthened by just over 4.6km between Lisburn’s Applegreen services and junction 7 at Sprucefield.

And on the M2, a new 2.2km bus lane will be built between junction 2 at Greencastle and junction 1B at Duncrue.

The work includes replacement of the existing bus lane signs and provision of additional CCTV.

The Department for Infrastructure said: “The M1 and M2 approaches to Belfast are often some of the most congested sections of the strategic road network, particularly at peak times.

“These extended bus lanes will further improve journey times and service reliability for bus passengers without affecting general traffic flows.”

The existing bus lanes will be suspended while the work on their upgrade is carried out and are due to reopen in the autumn.

Work on the new sections of bus lanes will then continue, with the whole project to be completed by December. The department added: “The Department for Infrastructure has carefully planned the programme of works in order to minimise any inconvenience.

“However, motorists should be aware that minor delays can be expected and they should allow additional time when planning journeys.”

It’s the latest major roads project win for the company.

It has carried out major highways projects in Britain, including the A138 Chelmer Viaduct in Chelmsford, Essex.

It also worked on the £115m upgrade of the M1 into Belfast, as well as the improvements to the A12 Westlink. The work was finished in 2009.