Scheme to extend M1 and M2 bus lanes to commence

Work is due to commence on 6 August to extend the hard shoulder bus lanes along the M1 and M2 motorways.

On the M1, the existing Belfast bound bus lane will be lengthened by 4.6km between Lisburn Services (Applegreen) and Junction 7 at Sprucefield.  On the M2, a new 2.2km bus lane will be provided between Junction 2 at Greencastle and Junction 1B at Duncrue.

The work, to be carried out by Graham Construction, also includes replacement of the existing bus lane signs and provision of additional CCTV.

The M1 and M2 approaches to Belfast are often some of the most congested sections of the strategic road network, particularly at peak times.  These extended bus lanes will further improve journey times and service reliability for bus passengers without affecting general traffic flows.

The scheme will begin by upgrading the existing bus lanes and it will be necessary to suspend their use while this work is carried out.  It is anticipated however that they will be fully operational again by the autumn. Work on the new sections of bus lanes will then continue and is planned for completion by December 2018.

Temporary traffic management arrangements are also required to carry out the works safely and will generally consist of localised hard shoulder closures and temporary 50mph speed restrictions.  Some lane closures may also be necessary at off peak times during evenings/overnight on weekdays, as well as during weekends, but these will be clearly signed in advance.

The Department for Infrastructure has carefully planned the programme of works in order to minimise any inconvenience however, motorists should be aware that minor delays can be expected and they should allow additional time when planning journeys.

Full details of any planned traffic restrictions will be available on our TrafficwatchNI website at:

• http://trafficwatchni.com

Notes to editors: 

1. Further information on the M1/M2 bus lanes can be found at  https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/m1-and-m2-busways-overview
2. On the M1, two new sections of bus lane totalling 4.6 km will be provided Belfast bound between junction 7 (Sprucefield) and junction 6 (Lisburn) and between junction 6 and Lisburn Services (Applegreen).
3. On the M2, two new sections of bus lane totalling 2.2 km will be provided Belfast bound between junction 2 (Greencastle) and junction 1 (Fortwilliam) and between junction 1 and junction 1B (Duncrue St.)
4. Alterations will be made to the existing bus lanes including erection of new signs and CCTV  monitoring.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number: 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
6. The Department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the Department’s internal records management system. The Department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The Department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website   
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