Northern Ireland

Motorists face 'mayhem' due to closures on busy city routes

Motorists on two major routes in Belfast have faced traffic 'mayhem' as a result of weekend closures to accommodate resurfacing works.
Motorists on two major routes in Belfast have faced traffic 'mayhem' as a result of weekend closures to accommodate resurfacing works. Motorists on two major routes in Belfast have faced traffic 'mayhem' as a result of weekend closures to accommodate resurfacing works.

MOTORISTS in Belfast have been advised to plan weekend journeys well in advance for the coming weeks after roadworks led to scenes of traffic "mayhem".

A new £1.7 million resurfacing scheme on the A2 Sydenham bypass in east Belfast saw a stretch of the busy roadway closed to countrybound drivers for the weekend, causing heavy traffic in and around diversionary routes.

It began as the second weekend of resurfacing on the M2 in north Belfast saw full and partial lane closures also lead to further pressure for motorists heading into the city. The M2 closures are set to continue on weekends until October 10, with the stretch between the Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions affected.

Meanwhile, the countrybound lane of the Sydenham bypass will be shut from 11pm on Fridays to 5am on Mondays through to October 24, while some weeknight closures will also occur. People travelling to Belfast City Airport have been advised to take "extra time" planning their journey.

Motorists complain of long waits online, with one Twitter user, Dale Lockhart, saying traffic in the east of the city was "worse than it’s ever been", adding: "Sydenham bypass being closed has caused mayhem."

Another user, Gavyn G, wrote on Saturday: "Is everyone leaving Belfast today? Traffic is absolutely mental."

East Belfast DUP councillor Tom Haire told The Irish News he faced an extra wait of at least half-an-hour to make the journey home to Holywood Road from the city centre on Saturday, which he normally completes in under 15 minutes.

"It has been absolutely hectic getting out of town," he said.

"Unfortunately, it is essential work that has to be done, but it is certainly causing issues for motorists. I would advise people to please plan well in advance for weekend journeys, and especially for anyone making their way to the city airport."

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "During these times a diversionary route will be clearly signed via Sydenham Road, Airport Road, Airport Rd West, Holywood Exchange, Belfast Road."

The work's completion date is "subject to favourable weather conditions", and the spokesperson added: "The department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public.

"Those 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 on the approaches to the closure."