The pre-Christmas roadworks embargo in Belfast City Centre is to
be brought forward by two weeks to help keep traffic moving as
the festive season approaches, Infrastructure Minister has announced.
In Belfast the embargo, which covers all non-essential roadworks
on key arterial routes, will now begin on 10 November and remain
in place until 2 January 2026.
said: “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 move is part of a package of measures to Keep Belfast Moving,
which will also see an extension to operating hours for some bus
lanes.
From Monday 3 November, a number of existing bus lanes, including
on Ormeau Road, Lower Lisburn Road and Malone Road, will now
operate from 7.30-9.30am and from 3.30-6.30pm (Monday to Friday).
Minister Kimmins said: “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 lane 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 other major towns and cities across the
north will operate between 24 November and 2 January.
Notes to editors:
1. The roadworks embargo is for all non-essential roadworks in
the city centre and on key arterial routes identified by the
Department. Emergency works may still be required at short
notice.
2. The following bus lanes will now operate during the hours
of 7.30 am to 9.30am and from 3.30pm to 6.30pm (Monday to
Friday);
- Stranmillis Road;
- Lower Lisburn Road (from Tates Avenue to the City Centre and
City Hospital);
- Full length of Ormeau Road;
- Saintfield Road (beyond Ormeau Road towards Carryduff);
- Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff;
- Malone Road;
- Upper Malone Road; and
- Botanic Avenue
3. You can plan your public transport journey by using the
Translink journey planner at https://www.translink.co.uk/journeyplanner
