SDLP Infrastructure spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA has criticised an announcement from the Minister for Infrastructure that the promised coupling of the A6 would begin in October but would only address 9 miles of road.
The MLA said the announcement was “only a fraction of the required upgrade”.
Minister McCrossan announced on Wednesday that the upgrade will cost £160 million and the work will take four years to complete.
Added Mr McCrossan: “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 9 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.
“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.”
