Infrastructure Minister has announced a £580,000
investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for Belfast.
The work to upgrade 1.2km of Stranmillis Embankment eastern
footway and cycle track commenced today, Monday 27 January 2025,
and is expected to take 15 weeks to complete.
Minister O'Dowd said: “This substantial investment
includes reconstruction and improvement of the
existing segregated cycle track and footway along the
Stranmillis Embankment, between Ormeau Road and Governors Bridge.
The cycle track will be one of the first schemes to benefit from
new intuitive red surfacing and splayed kerbs to increase safety
and usable width for cycling, while the footway reconstruction
will significantly improve the pavement surface for pedestrians
along the route.
“I am committed to ensuring that active travel is an
attractive option for those who want to walk, wheel and cycle for
many of the shorter everyday journeys. Part of this commitment
includes maintaining the existing assets that we have to ensure
that they remain attractive to users. Once completed, the scheme
will provide improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
along the popular route that provides connections to Queen's
University, Botanic Gardens, the Lagan Towpath and Riverside
Path.
“My department is also currently
consulting on the Active Travel Delivery Plan for a number of
towns and villages across the north and I would encourage
everyone to engage with the consultation by responding via our
website or by attending one of the public engagement
events.
"Your journey matters and by making little changes and
thinking about how we could travel differently, we can all make a
big difference.”
Due to the nature of the work it will be necessary to close
sections of the cycle track and footway. Advisory signs and
alternative routes will be in place and updated as the work
progresses for both vehicular traffic and cyclists. We would ask
everyone to comply with any temporary arrangements in place to
ensure the safety of both the public and our workers.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic
management arrangements to minimise inconvenience and appreciate
the patience of the public as we carry out these important
improvements.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be
substantially complete by May 2025, however the Department will
keep the public informed of any change.
Notes to editors:
- The Active Travel Delivery Plan consultation is available
at: Active Travel Delivery Plan |
Department for Infrastructure. Paper copies can be obtained
by emailing activetravel@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
Details of public engagement events will be advertised on our
social media channels.
