Plans To Address Antrim Road Traffic Issues

Plans to address traffic flow on the Antrim Road in north Belfast have been unveiled by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.

The proposals including the introduction of a tidal urban clearway, operating at peak times only, to help maintain traffic flow as well as enable businesses in the area with parking and loading requirements.

The clearway would apply in the Belfast bound lanes in the morning and on the country bound lanes in the evening.

The plans would affect Antrim Road from its junction with Cliftonville Road to the M2 over-bridge, just south of Glengormley. Currently, the urban clearway restriction along the Antrim Road applies in both directions from 8am to 9.30am and from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Minister Hazzard said: "This has been a long running issue in what is a well used commuter route but also a thriving business and shopping area within the city.

"I have taken on board a number of views in order to provide a solution that will balance the needs of local residents and traders with the wider economic need to provide efficient travel within the city.

"A tidal urban clearway arrangement could make the best use of road space by managing parking and loading activities, whilst still tackling congestion on the route."

He added: "Previous experience demonstrates that introducing similar arrangements on other congested routes such as the Lisburn Road, Malone Road and Stranmillis Road have had a positive impact on businesses and there was no significant impact on journey times or road safety.

"TransportNI will be engaging directly with stakeholders including the PSNI and Belfast City Council and I encourage people to put forward their views during the consultation process."

A consultation on the new arrangements will take place in the next few months, with plans to introduce the scheme in Autumn 2017.

(JP/LM)