A6 road (Northern Ireland)

The A6 road in Northern Ireland runs from the Belfast to Derry, via Antrim. Mostly single carriageway, there is a short dual carriageway section forming the Toome bypass. Towards Derry, there is also a short section of dual carriageway at Altnagelvin. This is one of Northern Ireland's most important arterial routes, as the road runs between its two largest cities and urban areas.

Route

The road begins at Carlisle Circus in north Belfast, and runs through Glengormley, Templepatrick, Antrim, close to Randalstown, Toome, close to Castledawson, close to Maghera, then over the Glenshane Pass to Dungiven, finishing at the Craigavon Bridge in Derry. Between Belfast and Antrim, the M2, and between Antrim and Randalstown, the M22, run almost parallel to the A6. At Randalstown the M22 rejoins the A6.

Investment

Investment has finally begun again in the northwestern region and as of December 2007, two separate projects are under development which will see convert|20|mi|km of high-quality dual carriageway laid between Derry and west of Dungiven village, and a further convert|10|mi|km of HQDC from the end of the M22 to Castledawson.Fact|date=February 2008

As of yet, the remaining convert|20|mi|km between Castledawson and Dungiven has not been allocated funds to develop the last stage of the dualling; it is likely that by the time construction is underway on the Derry-Dungiven stretch, further funds will be made available and the two largest urban centres in Northern Ireland will finally have a high standard dual carriageway link.Fact|date=February 2008

In June 2008, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy announced plans for a feasibility study into creating an A6-A5 Link Road around Derry. This will more than likely also be of HQDC standard. It has been noted that this is not a commitment on behalf of his department.fact|date=June 2008