Minister O’Dowd announce £580,000 pedestrian and cycling improvement scheme for Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast

Date published: 27 January 2025

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.

Commenting 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.