A temporary 50mph speed limit placed on the M1 between Dungannon and Tamnamore in January has been extended for at least another three months.

The speed measures were introduced on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 14 and 15 as part of PSNI and Department for Infrastructure investigations into two separate fatal crashes involving single vehicles last year.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said the speed restriction would continue and that it was enforceable by the PSNI.

READ MORE: PSNI and DfI probing sites of two fatal single vehicle crashes on same section of M1 motorway

It would bring the length of time that the speed restriction will be in place to at least eight months.

“The Department continues to work with partner agencies in the investigations of recent collisions along this stretch of the M1. This is normal practice following any fatal road traffic collisions.," the DfI spokesperson said.

"The 50mph temporary speed limit was introduced following the recent collisions and will now be extended for a further 3 months to allow for investigations to continue. Road users are asked to comply with the temporary speed limit which is enforceable by the PSNI.”

The PSNI say they continue to conduct scene testing on the motorway.

"Police and partner agencies continue to conduct inspections and scene testing on the eastbound carriageway of the M1 motorway, between junctions 14 and 15, as part of investigations into the causes of two fatal road traffic collisions at this location," the spokesperson said.

"The information gathered will be used in conjunction with a host of other factors to give as complete a picture as possible into the causes of the collisions. While both investigations are currently ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Philip Rainey, 21, died following a crash on the M1 eastbound near Stangmore in Dungannon in September while he was on the way to collect his partner and new baby son from hospital.

Imelda Quinn, 40, died on Boxing Day when she is understood to have been travelling to Craigavon hospital where she worked as a nurse. The single-vehicle collision took place between Junction 14 and 15 on the M1 eastbound.

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