New temporary bus lanes will come into operation in
Belfast from Monday 1 July.
The temporary bus lanes are being introduced as significant
public improvement works around the new Belfast Grand Central
Station intensify.
These measures will reduce congestion by providing a viable
alternative to the car.
The Department would recommend that anyone coming into Belfast
city centre over the coming months uses active travel or public
transport networks where possible, for a faster journey.
These lanes will ensure that emergency services can continue to
access and move through the City Centre. They also play a vital
role in creating a modern and effective transport network and
contribute to a reduction in congestion and environmental
pollution.
The lanes will be available to buses, motorcycles, bicycles and
permitted taxis during the periods of operation and to all
vehicles at other times. Lanes will be clearly marked with white
lines and the associated signs. And any accessible parking spaces
that are affected will be relocated.
Four new bus lanes will operate as follows:
- Howard Street – 24-hour bus lane on the approach to the Gt
Victoria Street junction. The left turn into Gt Victoria Street
will be for buses only.
- Gt Victoria Street - 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, bus
lane up to the junction with Bruce Street.
- Bruce Street - 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, bus lane
up to the junction with Dublin Road.
- Dublin Road - 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, bus lane
up to Shaftsbury Square.
In addition, there will be a bus lane on North Street, which will
operate from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, from Bridge
Street to Royal Avenue. The accessible parking bays for Blue
Badge holders on North Street are being relocated, towards Bridge
Street and into Royal Avenue.
A proposal for a temporary bus lane on the Lisburn Road,
8:30am to 9:30am, Monday to Friday, from Jubilee Road (City
Hospital) to Sandy Row is still being finalised.
Enforcement will be in operation to ensure that the traffic flows
as freely as intended.
Notes to editors:
- Loading and unloading of goods or burden at premises adjacent
to or accessible only from the bus lanes on Howard Stret, Great
Victoria Street, Bruce Street and Dublin Road will only be
permitted between 7pm and 7am. No waiting at any time
restrictions, including for the loading and unloading of goods,
will also be introduced along sections of North Street.
- Information about the development of Grand Central Station is
available here: BGCS Updates
(translink.co.uk)
- Park and Ride facilities are available across the
north. Further information is available on Park and Share or Park and
Ride | nidirect
