This is one of four junctions being upgraded on the A1 over the period 2007-09 as part of a single package. The junction gives access to the southern end of Hillsborough town from the A1. At this point, the A1 runs to the west of the town. The Dromore Road leaves Hillsborough to the south and runs parallel to the A1. A short section of carriageway links it to the A1 at a T-junction where vehicles are permitted to turn right. On the other (western) side of the A1, the local Ballygowan Road also joins the A1.

This scheme will see a new overbridge constructed just north of the existing staggered junction. The map below shows the proposed layout, with the bridge allowing vehicles to access the two sides of the A1. The Roads Service ruled out an underpass because the drainage in the area meant it would fill with water unless continuously pumped out, and was also more expensive.

In November 2008, Roads Service released a leaflet to the press and public containing the following artist's impression of the junction:

Progress

26 Sep 2009: As we reported two months ago, the junction has been "completed", but not open, for some time, something which has stirred up some local anger according to this news story. The junction was officially opened on 14 September, a little later than expected. The reason for the delay is unclear, but there were rumours that there was an inspection process to conclude.

23 July 2009: As observed by Aubrey Dale last week (pics below), this junction now appears to be completed, but not open. Why it is not open is unclear, but it may be that it has to pass some sort of inspection. With any luck it will be open very soon.

The completed (but unopened) bridge seen looking north on 14 July 2009. [Aubrey Dale]

The western access to the flyover, still closed to traffic on 14 July 2009. [Aubrey Dale]

16 June 2009: According to the Spring report to Lisburn City council, published yesterday, progress on this junction is proceeding ahead of schedule. Rather than being completed in December 2009, as advertised at project inception in March 2008, the junction is now expected to be open "in the summer 2009". This is very good news.

5 May 2009: Work has advanced extremely well over the past few months. The bridge abutments are completed and the beams for the bridge deck have been lifted into place, as shown in the photo below. The new road over the bridge is very well advanced, at least on the Dromore side, with the kerbing and initial surface put down. If the project is on schedule, it should be open by Christmas.

Looking north towards the new flyover on 25 April 2009. [Aubrey Dale]

1 Jan 2009: In a written answer to the Assembly on 28 Nov 2008, the DRD Minister said that according to the contractor's current programme the junction would be opened by December 2009.

16 Nov 2008: Roads Service have released a leaflet containing details about this scheme, including an artist's impression of the junction (see above) and confirming that completion is due by Winter (ie late) 2009.

17 Jul 2008: Work on the new overpass has advanced over the past four months, and the first set of pillars to support it are now in place. The picture below shows a neat set of pillars on the western side of the A1 about ten days ago.

Pillars for the future bridge on the western side of the A1 in early July 2008. [Aubrey Dale]

18 Mar 2008: Work has now begun - two months behind schedule - according to Dromore Today and site visitors.

27 Sep 2007: According to Roads Service, the start of work has now been delayed until January 2008 and is estimated to take until August 2009. However some hedge removal has already taken place ahead of the nesting season.

6 May 2007: Work has not begun and there is no evidence of any imminent work. If the project has been delayed beyond the March 2007 date which Roads Service told Lisburn City Council in autumn 2006, nothing has been stated to that effect.

Map

This plan was included in the Roads Service report to Lisburn City Council, Autumn 2006

See alternative map published by Roads Service in Autumn 2007 here.