Translink is promising the Boyne Bridge in south Belfast will be “sensitively dismantled” as part of major works close to Grand Central Station that will the see the closure for up to 12 months of a key city road.
The work is due to start on Saturday ahead of the planned first rail services from the station the following day.
Durham Street will be fully closed between Grosvenor Road and Hope Street during the works, which will include removing the Boyne Bridge, an important landmark for members of the Orange Order and other loyalists.
On Saturday, the Ulster Young Defenders Flute Band were the last to parade over the bridge.
“The works will involve sensitively dismantling the existing 1936 Durham Street/Boyne Bridge to facilitate the safe completion of the first phase of streets works associated with the new Station,” a Translink spokesperson said.
“Our contractor will seek to preserve key elements of the bridge, and we are continuing to engage with the local community on an arts and heritage programme which will utilise these materials for future projects.”
Translink is warning road users to “expect some delays” during the works.
“We are encouraging everyone to consider using public transport and play their part in helping reduce traffic in the city and the negative impact this has on air quality, social and economic wellbeing,” the company said.
It added that there are already “bus service enhancements on some popular Goldliner routes, and some bus passenger priority measures are also in place”.
“Clearly signed diversionary routes will be in place for motorists that need to travel to the city and everyone is asked to follow these or to find an alternative route or way to travel.”
