Infrastructure Minister has joined Translink staff to
celebrate the first year since the opening of Grand Central
Station.
The £340million Executive Flagship project is the main terminus
for Belfast and the largest transport hub in Ireland. It
has 26 bus stands and eight rail platforms and offers increased
connectivity and integration with the wider public transport
network.
Speaking at Grand Central Minister Kimmins said: “I am
delighted to be here today to wish Translink many happy returns
on this milestone which celebrates a significant investment in
our transport infrastructure. As the largest integrated transport
facility on the island of Ireland, catering for up to 20 million
passenger journeys a year, it highlights the importance of
infrastructure and the transformative changes it can
bring.”
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris
Conway added: “This is a remarkable milestone
that reflects strong public engagement and growing confidence in
sustainable transport. The success and passenger growth
demonstrates how investment in public transport is a catalyst for
change.
“I'd like to thank all our contractors, suppliers,
customers, colleagues and everyone who has been part of the
success of this impressive facility — we look forward to sharing
the next exciting developments and realising the full potential
of this award-winning station in supporting a successful,
thriving Northern Ireland,” Chris concluded.
"Beyond transport, the station has also become
a focal point for community engagement, hosting artistic
performances, launches, and special events. This reflects
Translink's commitment to connecting
people, celebrating local culture, and enriching the
communities it serves.”
As public realm work continues around the station, Minister
Kimmins outlined some of the traffic measures which will be
introduced to keep Belfast moving particularly in the run-up to
the busy festive period.
The measures include:
• Aiming to re-open Durham Street to two-way traffic by the end
of November.
• Extending the hours of operation of existing bus lanes on a
number of southern routes to the city, including Ormeau Road and
Saintfield Road, to operate in both directions during both the AM
and PM peak.
• Improved monitoring through implementation of new smart sensor
technology that will provide real-time data at key
locations across the city to enable improved responsive, agile
traffic management and evidence-based decision-making.
• The current configuration of the Great Victoria Street /
Grosvenor Road / Howard Street junction to safely and efficiently
accommodate increased pedestrian volumes will be retained, as
will the temporary bus lanes on: Great Victoria Street, Howard
Street, Bruce Street, Dublin Road and North Street.
Following the recent consultation, the current arrangements which
allow additional taxis classes to use certain bus lanes in Bruce
Street, Dublin Road, Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square
will also continue.
A communications strategy to inform the public of these measures
and promote alternatives to private car use - such as public
transport, walking, cycling, and Park & Ride, has been
developed.
Minister Kimmins said: “These measures, which reflect
strategic priorities and local realities, have been brought
forward following engagement with interested parties,
including Belfast Chamber, Business Improvement Districts,
Translink, Hospitality Ulster, Belfast Night Czar, Retail NI,
Belfast City Council and Visit Belfast. Our
shared goal is to ensure Belfast City Centre remains a welcoming,
accessible, and thriving destination throughout the festive
period and beyond. We want people to come into the
city, enjoy what it has to offer, and do so with ease and
confidence.
“We will be also retaining the temporary bus lanes that
we introduced last Autumn. These bus lanes on Great Victoria
Street, Howard Street, Bruce Street, Dublin Road, and North
Street have proven effective in helping insulate buses from the
worst effects of general traffic congestion at these
locations. We will bring in the pre-Christmas embargo
which will suspend all non-essential roadworks on key routes in
Belfast City Centre and surrounding radial corridor. I am
currently considering options on when the embargo can
begin.
“Belfast is a busy, thriving city and the lead-up to
Christmas is a busy time so, just like all other major cities, we
can expect there to be more traffic than usual at this time –
there would be something wrong if there wasn't.
“While we can introduce practical actions to help ease
traffic build-up, we can all play a part by thinking about
when to travel and how. Avoid peak times if you can and think
about leaving the car at home and use public transport and park
and ride facilities, if they are available to
you.”
