Department for Infrastructure statement on traffic congestion in Belfast

Date published: 18 October 2024

Yesterday afternoon a number of collisions occurred across the city including an 8 vehicle collision on the M1 South bound between Broadway and Stockmans Lane. This brought traffic to a standstill. The result of this was long delays back along the M1 and Westlink and onto the M3 and M2. Due to the time of day, this meant all south bound traffic was attempting to seek alternative routes through the city centre – resulting in long delays as far back as Dunbar Link.

The recovery operation took quite some time and again traffic was brought to a standstill at peak rush hour.

Whilst the recovery operation was in place another road traffic collision occurred, this time on the M3 Lagan Bridge East bound which caused delays for traffic approaching from the Westlink and M2.

Both incidents occurred during the peak rush hour period and the time required to ensure that emergency services could attend, and the vehicles could be recovered also had a knock-on effect on some public transport services.

We understand that traffic delays are frustrating, and we encourage travellers to avoid the congestion by considering other sustainable and active modes of travel such as public transport, using the park and ride sites or by walking or cycling. If you do travel by car, please plan and leave extra time for your journey

Translink offer a number of discounted and promotional fares and we would encourage customers to visit the Translink website or speak to a member of Translink staff for the best options for their journeys. In addition, the Concessionary Fares Scheme remains available to provide free and discounted fare travel to some of the most vulnerable in our society.

We thank the travelling public for their patience whilst these transformational public realm works are completed.