07/10/2025
Belfast Christmas Roadworks Embargo Brought Forward By Two Weeks
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that the pre-Christmas embargo on non-essential roadworks in Belfast City Centre will be brought forward by two weeks to help manage increased festive traffic.
The embargo, which covers all non-essential roadworks on key arterial routes, will now begin on 10 November and remain in place until 2 January 2026.
Minister Kimmins stated that the decision follows discussions with the business and hospitality sectors. She said: "My department and those who do business in the city centre share a common goal – to keep Belfast moving as the city gets busier in the run-up to Christmas."
The change is part of a wider package of measures designed to Keep Belfast Moving, which also includes the extension of operating hours for some bus lanes.
From Monday, 3 November, several existing bus lanes, including those on the Ormeau Road, Lower Lisburn Road, and Malone Road, will operate for longer periods:
• Morning: 7.30am–9.30am (previously 8am–9.30am)
• Afternoon: 3.30pm–6.30pm (previously 4pm–6.30pm)
The Minister explained that the extended hours will help Translink provide more reliable public transport services by allowing buses to avoid the worst traffic congestion. She urged road users to exercise caution and avoid using the bus lanes as they adjust to the new times.
Minister Kimmins encouraged everyone to "play our part" by considering public transport, using Park and Ride sites, or embracing active travel when visiting the city. She also advised drivers travelling elsewhere to use routes like the Outer Ring instead of driving through the city centre.
A standard roadworks embargo in other major towns and cities across Northern Ireland will operate between 24 November and 2 January.
The embargo, which covers all non-essential roadworks on key arterial routes, will now begin on 10 November and remain in place until 2 January 2026.
Minister Kimmins stated that the decision follows discussions with the business and hospitality sectors. She said: "My department and those who do business in the city centre share a common goal – to keep Belfast moving as the city gets busier in the run-up to Christmas."
The change is part of a wider package of measures designed to Keep Belfast Moving, which also includes the extension of operating hours for some bus lanes.
• Morning: 7.30am–9.30am (previously 8am–9.30am)
• Afternoon: 3.30pm–6.30pm (previously 4pm–6.30pm)
The Minister explained that the extended hours will help Translink provide more reliable public transport services by allowing buses to avoid the worst traffic congestion. She urged road users to exercise caution and avoid using the bus lanes as they adjust to the new times.
Minister Kimmins encouraged everyone to "play our part" by considering public transport, using Park and Ride sites, or embracing active travel when visiting the city. She also advised drivers travelling elsewhere to use routes like the Outer Ring instead of driving through the city centre.
A standard roadworks embargo in other major towns and cities across Northern Ireland will operate between 24 November and 2 January.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.