Questions & Answers

• What are the Motorway Service Areas?
• What services will be available?
• What are the benefits of these Motorway Service Areas?
• How are the Motorway Service Areas funded?
• What does Public Private Partnership (PPP) mean?
• How will Traffic Management be managed?
• Will construction be noisy?
• How long is the construction phase?
• Is it expected that the service areas will become operational at the same time?
• How long is the contract with the NRA for?
• What happens at the end of the concession period?

What are the Motorway Service Areas?

They are driver and passenger service areas to be located on the M1 at Castlebellingham and Lusk and on the M4 at Enfield. The sites will have fuel and a wide range of services available during the daytime with certain amenities available 24 hours a day.

What services will be available?

Each of the six service areas will incorporate separate fuelling areas for cars and HGV’s, a restaurant and deli, a shop, customer services, significant parking facilities, child play areas and picnic areas.

What are the benefits of these Motorway Service Areas?

It is anticipated that these Service Areas will increase the attractiveness of the motorway network, will provide drivers and passengers with an opportunity to stop, in particular on long journeys, without leaving the motorway network as there will be easy access to the facilities.

How are the Motorway Service Areas funded?

The Motorway Service Areas are funded through a Public Private Partnership. This is a method whereby large projects are funded and operated through a partnership of Government and Private business.

What does Public Private Partnership (PPP) mean?

PPP’s are used successfully around the world. The scheme is based on the idea that better value for money can be achieved for suitable projects through the utilisation of Private Sector Enterprise.

How will Traffic Management be managed?

Disruption to the motorways will be minimised where possible. The traffic management will be in place for the initial 3 months. The hard shoulder will be closed during this time to allow for access and egress into the site compound and for construction of the new slip roads.

There will be a reduced speed limit in operation during the construction period of 80 kph. Construction traffic will be entering and exiting the sites from the motorway. If any delays occur, AA Roadwatch will be contacted. They are not anticipated at this time.

Will construction be noisy?

A certain level of noise will be generated during the construction phase of the project. Every care and attention will be undertaken to minimise any noise that may be generated.

How long is the construction phase?

Construction of the Motorway Service Areas will take approximately 13months. It is anticipated that the Service Areas will be opened in Q4 2010.

Is it expected that the service areas will become operational at the same time?

Yes

How long is the contract with the NRA for?

25 years from the date of execution of the contract.

What happens at the end of the concession period?

The service areas will be handed back to the NRA.