The proposed project, between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road Junction, consists of upgrading the existing single carriageway to create a new dual carriageway, which will closely follow the existing road corridor.
The formal consultation period associated with this project, which closed on 11 May 2012, attracted 20 letters of objection and nine letters making comment on the scheme.
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Announcing his decision, the Minister said: "The publication of the draft Statutory Orders and the Environmental Statement in March 2012 commenced the formal consultation period for this project. Whilst my Department received only a small number of objections to this scheme it is important to hold a Public Inquiry to discuss and debate the issues of contention.
"Projects of this scale will usually result in a Public Inquiry and I welcome the interest from affected landowners and local residents. I hope many of the matters of concern can be addressed either before or at the Public Inquiry."
The Public Inquiry is scheduled to commence in early November 2012.
(CD)
