Roadworks To Prioritise Public Transport And Bikes

Motorists without a destination in Belfast city centre should use alternative routes, roads and transport officials have said.

As part of the Belfast On The Move plan, junctions and traffic flows around the City Hall in particular will give priority to bicycles, walkers and public transport over private cars.

Ciaran de Búrca of the Department for Regional Development said the move, brought about after consultation and legislation, would help the 40% of Belfast households without access to a private car.

He said: "This is the first step in delivering a city centre where access by public transport is given a much higher priority and the street environment is tailored to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists rather than the private car. More bus lanes mean public transport will be quicker and more efficient."

According to DRD analysis, 60% of the 30,000 vehicles that use the streets either side of the City Hall every day are not going to a destination in the city centre.

A new bus lane in Oxford Street, built by early July, will serve the east of the city.

Roads Service staff said the work would require lane restrictions and road closures at off-peak times and asked people not going to the city centre to consider alternative routes.

Electronic signing will be kept up-to-date to advise drivers of the location of roadworks.

Mr de Búrca said: "Whilst Roads Service has taken measures to minimise disruption, there will no doubt be delays while work is underway."

(NE)