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The pre-Christmas roadworks embargo in Belfast City Centre is to be introduced ahead by two weeks to assist hold site visitors transferring because the festive season approaches, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has introduced.
In Belfast the embargo, which covers all non-essential roadworks on key arterial routes, will now start on 10 November and stay in place till January 2, 2026.
Liz Kimmins mentioned:
“Belfast is a thriving city where people come to work, shop and socialise and like all major cities we can expect more traffic as we head into the autumn and winter months.
“My department and those who do business in the city centre share a common goal – to keep Belfast moving as the city gets busier in the run-up to Christmas, and discussions have been ongoing throughout the year about the practical steps we can all take to achieve that. I have listened carefully to the business and hospitality sector and have decided to bring the roadworks embargo forward by two weeks to 10 November, when the festive season will be getting into full swing.”
“While delivering key infrastructure projects is essential for helping to build our economy I also recognise the need to strike a balance between continued development and the needs of the public and our business and hospitality sectors who rely on them, especially at this important time of year.”
The transfer is a part of a package deal of measures to Keep Belfast Moving, which may also see an extension to working hours for some bus lanes.
From Monday 3 November, various present bus lanes, together with on Ormeau Road, Lower Lisburn Road and Malone Road, will now function from 7.30-9.30am and from 3.30-6.30pm (Monday to Friday).
Minister Kimmins mentioned:
“The operation of extended bus lane hours will assist Translink to provide more reliable public transport services across the network by allowing buses to avoid the worst impacts of traffic congestion. Signs to alert the public to the new bus lanes times will be erected in the coming weeks and I would urge road users to exercise caution and avoid parking or driving in the bus lanes as they get used to the new arrangements.
“It is vital that traffic flow around the city is maintained during this busy period. We can all play our part to Keep Belfast Moving by thinking about how we travel into the city. I would encourage anyone coming to Belfast to consider using public transport, choosing one of the many park and ride sites on the approach to the city or by embracing active travel means.
“If you are travelling to another part of the city then think ahead and instead of travelling through the city choose another route such as the Outer Ring. If you must drive in the city please be mindful of other road users, abide by traffic signs and signals and do not block yellow box junctions.”
A roadworks embargo in different main cities and cities throughout the north will function between 24 November and a pair of January.
Notes to editors:
- The roadworks embargo is for all non important roadworks within the metropolis centre and on key arterial routes recognized by the Department. Emergency works should be required at quick discover.
- The following bus lanes will now function through the hours of seven.30 am to 9.30am and from 3.30pm to six.30pm (Monday to Friday) ;
- Stranmillis Road;
- Lower Lisburn Road (from Tates Avenue to the City Centre and City Hospital);
- Full size of Ormeau Road;
- Saintfield Road (past Ormeau Road in direction of Carryduff);
- Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff;
- Malone Road;
- Upper Malone Road; and
- Botanic Avenue
- You can plan your public transport journey through the use of Translink Journey Planner
- All media queries ought to be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.workplace@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries solely between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The responsibility press officer will be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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