THE Department for Infrastructure must do more to reduce traffic chaos in east Belfast next weekend following the "worst day yet" for motorists as a result of roadworks on a main arterial route.
Part of the Sydenham Bypass country-bound lane was closed at the weekend for a £1.7 million resurfacing scheme that began last month, leading to heavy traffic in surrounding roads.
The work is set continue this coming weekend, with the stretch of lane closed from 11pm on Friday night to 5am on Monday morning. The Department for Infrastructure published details of the closure times for October ahead of the work beginning on September 23.
An east Belfast councillor has urged the department to mitigate disruption for motorists, including those travelling to and from Belfast City Airport.
The UUP's Jim Rodgers said he planned to raise the issue with the department this week after being caught in traffic on Saturday himself as a result of the roadworks.
He told the Irish News Saturday's traffic situation for drivers was "unbelievable" and said many in the east of the city have been impacted.
"I got caught up in it on my way to a football match and motorists were very frustrated," he said.
"This was the fourth successive week of the closure, but Saturday was the worst day yet for drivers. This is of course not the fault of the road workers, but even at this late hour I think the department needs to do better ahead of next weekend.
"I have supported the much-needed resurfacing of the bypass, but lots of people on Saturday were late for work, for sports events and of course getting to the airport due to the snarl up caused by the closure. This is also an issue for drivers wishing to keep petrol and diesel costs down in the cost of living crisis. The department needs to examine this carefully and see what can be done so we don't face another weekend like this in east Belfast."
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said it had "carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public", adding: "Road users, particularly those travelling to George Best Belfast City Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed."
