Police announce road closures for funeral route

Police are urging everyone planning to attend the funeral of George Best on Saturday to co-operate fully with all the arrangements put in place to ensure that the day passes off smoothly and safely.

Anyone who is not going to the funeral is urged to avoid the area and follow alternative signed routes.

Chief Inspector Mark Purdon, traffic commander in Urban Region (Belfast) said: “While Saturday is primarily about allowing the Best family to mourn their deep personal loss, it is clear that many people want to join in paying their respects.

“This is a major event which potentially will attract many thousands of people. Some will want get in to the grounds at Stormont. Others will want to line the route.

“The police, first and foremost, want to support the family and their wishes. We want to ensure that that the funeral cortege has a smooth and clear passage from the family home to Stormont and, after the service, from there to Roselawn,” said Chief Insp. Purdon.

“We also want to ensure that those people who will not be attending the funeral are able to go about their business.

“People should plan their journeys and timings carefully. We urge them to comply with any directional signs, parking arrangements and, when appropriate the instructions of any police officer. With so many people expected and so much traffic movement it is essential that there is full co-operation from all who intend to attend to ensure that everyone is able to travel get home safely.”

A number of road closures will be in place as part of the funeral arrangements. These closures will be in effect from 10am on Saturday morning. Police will work to reopen all routes affected by closures as soon as possible.

The Cregagh Road will be closed to traffic from Greenway to the Knock Dual Carriageway.

The Knock Dual Carriageway will be closed to traffic in both directions from Forestside to its junction with the Upper Newtowards Road.

The Upper Newtownards Road will be closed to traffic as far as Stormont where the cortege will turn into the estate and make its way along Prince of Wales Avenue. Closures will also be in place for traffic approaching the Upper Newtowards Road from the Dundonald side in the vicinity of the Elk Bar.

Further closures will be implemented from midday to facilitate the funeral cortege as it makes it way from Stormont to Roselawn Cemetery.

The closures will include the Upper Newtowards Road. The Upper Knockbreda Road/ Knock Dual Carriageway will be closed to its junction with the Castlereagh Road/ Ballygowan Road where the cortege will turn left towards Roselawn Cemetery.

Ballygowan Road will also be closed to traffic travelling to Belfast from Marylands Crossroads.

Again, efforts will be made to re-open the Ballygowan Road and all other routes as soon as possible.

No parking will be permitted along the route of the funeral cortege.

Police have advised that parking restrictions in the area are will not be suspended therefore motorists are encouraged to park sensibly and use designated park and ride facilities.

(SP/MB)