A2 Sydenham Bypass - overview | Department for Infrastructure

The A2 Sydenham Bypass is one of the most heavily trafficked carriageways in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and forms a vital section of the strategic highway network, linking Bangor and Belfast. The road also provides access to the key gateways of George Best City Airport, Belfast Port and to several large residential areas. The proposed scheme will widen a 2.5km stretch of the existing A2 Sydenham Bypass from a dual 2-lane carriageway to a dual 3-lane carriageway.

Current position

The scheme is currently in the third stage of a three stage assessment process.

Stage 1

This focused on identifying the environmental, engineering, economic and traffic advantages and disadvantages, as well as the constraints associated with broadly defined improvement strategies. This concluded in the selection of the proposed corridor in May 2008.

Stage 2

A detailed assessment of a range of options within the proposed corridor was considered. This concluded in the selection of the Preferred Option in February 2010.

Stage 3

Stage 3 is currently underway and involves detailed assessment of the Preferred Option and ongoing consultation with key stakeholders. This will result in the publication of the Statutory Orders, the draft Direction Order, the Environmental statement and Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order.

Next steps

Due to current budget restrictions there is insufficient funding to allow development work to continue. Progression of the scheme is subject to future budget statements.

A2 leaflet preferred option (February 2010)

A2 Sydenham Bypass preferred options leaflet

Estimated cost

This scheme is estimated to cost between £40M and £55M.

Scheme documents

A2 Sydenham Bypass - Stage 1 Scheme assessment report

A2 Sydenham Bypass - Stage 2 Scheme appraisal - preferred options report

Updated 16 June 2016

A2 Sydenham Bypass - overview