Council gets update on infrastructure projects for Belfast

Belfast City Council members have been updated on programmed works on the road network by the Department for Infrastructure.

Ciarán de Búrca, Director of the Department’s Transport Projects and Business Services gave an update on the introduction of the BRT Glider. He said:

“The BRT Glider service launched successfully on 3 September 2018. Translink has recently reported an increase of around 33,000 passenger journeys per week on the Glider routes, which is around a 20% growth compared to the same period last year.”

Mr de Búrca also provided information on the proposed extension of the BRT network to north and south Belfast, together with a link to Queens University and City Hospital and also on the proposed pedestrian and cycling bridge at the Gasworks across the River Lagan.  Both of these projects were included in the Belfast Region City Deal bid.

Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan updated Council members on other road programmes. He said:

“Over the remaining months of the current financial year Belfast City Council will see the completion of works on new bus lanes on the M1 and M2, with the provision of an additional 4.6 kilometres of bus lane on the M1 and 2.2 kilometres of bus lane on the M2, along with an upgrade to the signs and cameras on the existing bus lanes.

“The Department will also be completing a significant programme of Traffic Management resurfacing schemes across the Belfast City Council area, including Belmont Road from Tweskard Lodge to Knockdarragh Park, Station Road, College Green and Rosebank Street.

 “Work has already been completed on a number of projects this year including resurfacing schemes at Downshire Parade, Donegall Road from Falls Road to Broadway, Stranmillis Road, Credenhill Park and Waterloo Park North and South.

“Work on an extension at Blacks Road Park and Ride is now complete with the provision of an additional 307 spaces. A road improvement scheme at Belmont Road is also complete with the provision of additional signage, refresh of carriageway markings and resurfacing works are also programmed.  Works on the Comber Greenway to provide improved cycling and pedestrian measures have been completed with a footpath upgrade and widening of the Greenway from Ravenscroft Avenue to the Council Boundary. These projects will realise significant benefits for both the local community and commuters in Belfast."

Mr Monaghan continued:

“It is clear that severe weather and the very hot summer has had a significant detrimental impact on the road network and the Department will continue to identify those roads most in need of repair and prioritise this work alongside other ongoing priorities.

“The total 2018/2019 roads structural maintenance capital budget is £75 million, and of that, £15 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund.  This is being used to address areas of immediate need across the road network, including locations with significant numbers of potholes caused by the cold winter and roads damaged by the prolonged hot weather in June and July.

“The ongoing maintenance programme has included an enhanced grass cutting service to ensure all roadside verges and sightlines are cut at least twice in the period April to October, and a full weed spraying service has also been ongoing during this period.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer directly on 028 9037 8110.
2. 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.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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