Northern Ireland

Belfast city centre traffic disruption expected as roadworks announced

The improvement scheme will start on May 25 and is expected to be completed by July 8

Donegall Street closure due to the fire recently at the Cathedral Buildings. PIcture Mal McCann.
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a £300,000 resurfacing scheme for Donegall Street PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
By Mark Robinson

Traffic disruption is expected in Belfast city centre as road improvement works have been announced for the coming months.

The £300,000 works, which include both carriageway and footway resurfacing, are to take place on Donegall Street from its junction with Waring Street to its junction with Royal Avenue.

The announcement comes after major works were also announced for the Ormeau Road, beginning on June 1.

Read more: Motorists prepare for disruption ahead of major Belfast resurfacing works

A one-way continuous lane closure on Donegall Street will be in operation throughout the works, which are expected to start on May 25 and be completed by July 8.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said that 'some disruption' will be expected but that the department had carefully planned the works to minimise disruption as far as possible PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA

Traffic travelling from Royal Avenue/York Street towards Waring Street will be accommodated on Donegall Street, whilst road users travelling from Bridge Street will be diverted via North Street.

A Department for Infrastructure (DfI) spokesperson said that a number of full road closures “will also be necessary over a series of nights”, from 7pm to 6am, however the dates of these closures are yet to be confirmed and will be announced on the TrafficWatchNI website.

Announcing the latest works, infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said that it was a “a substantial investment for the city centre which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, road users and visitors”.

“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network,” she said.

“Donegall Street is within the Cathedral Conservation Area and I am pleased to be able to sympathetically carry out the resurfacing works by using granite kerbs along the length of the works.

“I recognise that there will be some disruption while these essential works are carried out and I would like to thank the businesses and local community for their patience and cooperation during this period.”