A cross-party group of MLAs in south Belfast have called for building work to start on a new foot and cycle bridge across the Lagan before planning permission runs out.
The Lagan pedestrian and cycle bridge, connecting Ormeau Park to Belfast city centre through the Gasworks business park, was first announced in 2014 and was granted planning permission in April 2016.
The permission will run out in 2021.
Nearly half a million pounds of public funds has already been spent on developing plans for the bridge, estimated to cost between £7 million and £9m.
In a joint statement, Clare Bailey from the Green Party; the Alliance's Paula Bradshaw; Claire Hanna from the SDLP and Sinn Féin's Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said building the bridge would allow more people to walk or cycle into the city centre.
"This bridge will reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and improve residents' health and wellbeing," they said.
"It would also connect different parts of the city, boost user numbers in Ormeau Park and encourage more pedestrians and cyclists to use the Lagan towpath."
Sustrans Northern Ireland director, Ashley Hunter, said the bridge could transform air quality in the area.
"Given the serious problems of car congestion in the city, we welcome the cross-party support for this bridge which will have a transformative effect on south Belfast by boosting walking and cycling," she said.
"There is no reason why construction work should not begin straight away to complete this project.
"We would also like this bridge to be a catalyst for the full implementation of the Belfast Bicycle Network to provide safe cycling infrastructure, encouraging people out of their cars and making Belfast a truly sustainable, resilient city fit for the 21st century."
