Northern Ireland

Traffic delays as Belfast's Albertbridge Road closed ahead of Orange Order parade

A police security operation takes place ahead of tonight's parade in east Belfast. Picture: Mal McCann 
A police security operation takes place ahead of tonight's parade in east Belfast. Picture: Mal McCann  A police security operation takes place ahead of tonight's parade in east Belfast. Picture: Mal McCann 

COMMUTERS have been warned to expect traffic delays in east Belfast as the Albertbridge Road has been closed ahead of an Orange march this evening.

Motorists are experiencing delays around East Bridge Street, the Ravenhill Road and Short Strand with the PSNI advising closures have been in place since 1pm.

Tonight's Battle of the Somme Anniversary parade is due to begin at 730pm taking in a route along Paulett Avenue, Albertbridge Road and Templemore Avenue.

It is set to return along the same route at 9.30pm.

Translink advise bus services will be affected by the road closure. Service 4 will divert outwards via East Bridge St, left on to Short Strand then right on to Mountpottinger then left on to Albertbridge Rd and as normal.

Services 5, 6 & 18 will divert out via East Bridge St, Ravenhill Rd, My lady’s Rd then on to normal routes. Inwards services will be fine until the parade starts.