Concerns have been raised that the A6 dual carriageway between Derry and Drumahoe will not open until at least April 2023, it has emerged.
The project, which first began construction in 2016, has been hampered by a number of delays, suffering major setbacks in 2020 due to Covid-19.
The completion of the £185m dual carriageway was due to be completed at the end of this year, but that has now been thrown into further doubt.
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The first phase of the project between Randalstown and Toomebridge, Co Antrim was completed in 2019.
A petition was established last week calling for Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd's "intervention" to ensure the project is fully open without further hold-ups.
Those behind the petition, which has been signed by over 400 people, said: "The unfinished works looked to be forgotten. There are rumours abounding referencing the quality of supposed completed works as well as financial issues regarding the lack of progress.
"Is it not bad enough that the finished road will not allow for the free flow of traffic all the way into Derry as originally planned but terminates at a roundabout in Drumahoe which already has increased congestion?"
Meanwhile, SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has called for clarity from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) around the A6 delays.
“I understand this project is a large undertaking, but the finish line is in sight and I’m asking the Minister to provide clarity to people in this area," she said.
"I think it would be useful to hold a public meeting or site visit so that people can hear for themselves what’s going on and what steps need to be taken before the current issues are resolved.
"I am also requesting a meeting with the Minister alongside other SDLP representatives so that we can directly put to him the concerns that we have heard from our constituents.”
However, a spokesperson for DfI said: “The Covid pandemic has had a major impact on delivery of the A6 scheme with various activities having been disrupted due to social distancing requirements, staff absences and difficulties with the supply chain.
"Current market volatility is also impacting on delivery timescales. Despite these exceptional challenges, the Department and our contractors have sought to maintain progress on this strategically important road scheme.
"Although the scheme is now well advanced, a significant amount of work has still to be completed before it can be fully opened, which includes the provision of safety barrier, road marking, signage, street lighting and the completion of a Road Safety Audit.
"The Department is continuing to work closely with the contractor with the aim of having this work completed as quickly as practicable so that the road can be opened in the coming months. The opening date will be announced when it is confirmed.”
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