Major traffic disruption is expected in Belfast later this month as work begins on a new project to upgrade the Westlink.

The roadworks are due to begin around the middle of January and last until Spring 2009.

The new system will be situated on the M1 and Westlink between Blacks Road and Divis Street junctions and will create three continuous lanes of traffic.

Joe Drew from the Roads Services said: "I do expect congestion to hit in fairly early, we do expect a fair amount of congestion.

"We'll be giving out leaflets at the start of the scheme so people can make alternative arrangements."

He also added that there would be two lanes remaining open throughout the reconstruction, however, it may be a good idea for motorists to seek alternative routes or even contemplate measures such as car sharing, park and ride or even public transport.

"Westlink is carrying 65,000 vehicles per day, it's the busiest road in the province and it's the most important scheme we have in the Belfast metropolitan transport plan."

As the Westlink is one of the main routes into the Royal Hospital, both staff and patients have raised concerns about gaining access into the building, however it is understood that alternative arrangements will be made, including special provisions for ambulances.

William McKee, Chief Executive of the Royal Hospital said: "We have to work with the contractor and the Roads Service to keep things under review to make sure we don't get into a dangerous situation," he said.

He continued by saying that he would be suggesting alternative transport methods to his staff, such as walking, cycling or public transport as suggested by the Roads Services.

A spokesperson for Translink said: "Inevitably, there will be congestion, we have been trying to put products in place so that it is more attractive to come by public transport."

He also added that rail capacity had increased, the metro system had greatly improved and there were also going to be significantly more park and ride sites supplied in 2006.

(EF/SP)