A major resurfacing scheme will be rolled out on the Sydenham Bypass in east Belfast later this month, with diversions and lane closures expected to cause disruption.
The £3.8m project will begin on Wednesday, September 25 and will see work along the citybound lanes, between Tillysburn junction and the start of the M3.
The Department for Infrastructure said the work is scheduled to take around five months and while the majority of the disruption will be limited to work carried out overnight and at weekends, some lane closures are expected at other times as well.
The department confirmed there will be overnight lane closures (10pm to 6am) on both Wednesday 25 and Thursday, September 26.
A weekend road closure will then be in effect from 10pm on Friday, September 27 to 6am on Monday, September 30. Further dates will be released as the scheme progresses.
During periods of closure a diversionary route will be clearly signed via Holywood Road, Newtownards Road and Middlepath Street.
An alternative route will also be available via Holywood Exchange, Airport Road and Sydenham Road. Alternative routes will also be signed for cyclists and pedestrians.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “The Sydenham Bypass is a very busy and vital part of the road network linking east Belfast and North Down to the city centre and beyond.
“This is a substantial investment which will deliver significant benefits for businesses, commuters and the travelling public for many years to come. I would like to thank local residents and road users for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out and ask that they slow down in the vicinity of the work and abide by the temporary traffic management arrangements which are in place to ensure their own safety and the safety of our workers and contractors.”
In addition to the resurfacing scheme the Department has also published its intention to make an Order under Article 68 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, the effect of which would be to stop-up two lengths of the bypass and prevent right turns at the following locations:
The department said the works are subject to favourable weather conditions and that the public will be kept up to date with delays and changes.
Road users, particularly those travelling to 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 approach to the works.
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News Catch Up – Tuesday 24th September