No ‘quick fix’ to ‘daily gridlock’ in Belfast warns roads expert

A roads expert has warned that the daily gridlock in Belfast city centre is expected to continue amid rail line closures and further roadworks.

Commuters have complained of a noticeable difference in their journey times to and from the city centre since the introduction of Belfast Grand Central station earlier this month.

The start of five months of roadworks on the Sydenham bypass in east Belfast is expected to result in further delays for motorists.

Wesley Johnston, a researcher and commentator on Northern Ireland roads and motorways told the Irish News there are a number of factors including ‘new signal timings at pedestrian crossings’ and ‘additional car users’.

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“As far as I can tell the addition of two new pedestrian crossings at the new transport hub is a major contributor and these are necessary to get people to the new station safely ,” he said.

“There is also a temporary bus lane on Great Victoria Street, and the trains from Lisburn are not operating meaning those commuters too may be in the car.

“Unfortunately there isn’t a quick fix other than perhaps looking at the signal timings on those crossings.

“In fact it will get worse for a while as the south end of Durham Street is due to be closed this autumn for the demolition of Boyne Bridge.”

Adam James Pollock uses public transport to commute from Carrickfergus for work and says traffic has been at a standstill every day during rush hour.

He said that the “vast majority of traffic issues” in the city centre can be traced back to “poor decision making” by the Department for Infrastructure.

“On North Street, a bus lane spanning around 100 metres was introduced around July, which ends before a busy junction and forces buses to merge back into the lane they’ve just exited to join the bus lane, causing huge delays to journeys,” he said.

“This happened at the same time as major roadworks and a partial road closure on York Street, outside the new Ulster University buildings. This forced cars and buses who wished to join the motorway to take a diversion onto Carrick Hill, through no fewer than three additional sets of traffic lights, to re-join the road 100 metres further down.

“The slip from onto the Westlink from York Street has now closed, too, creating much traffic elsewhere in the city centre.”

A Translink spokesperson said congestion is “typical” for this time of year and encouraged motorists to consider using public transport to combat delays.

“Translink is encouraging more people to consider using public transport as congestion, typical for this time of year, increases around the city with the return of schools, students and the normal back to work traffic after the summer.

“The ongoing public realm works taking shape around the station puts a clear focus on allocation of road space helping inspire and reimagine the city as one where more people travel on public transport, walk, wheel and cycle.

“We have worked closely with DfI Road Service to install temporary crossings to ensure safe access for the many people that need to access the new station. Motorists are advised to expect some delays and leave extra time for their journey.”

More major roadworks are to begin on Wednesday on the Sydenham Bypass in east Belfast and are scheduled to take around five months.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson encouraged commuters to opt for more sustainable and active modes of travel.

“If you do travel by car, please plan ahead and leave extra time for your journey. Records show that between 50 and 55% of traffic in Belfast has no destination in the city centre so please consider other routes where possible.

“The works you see throughout Belfast and elsewhere characterise change. The essential upgrading of our road, water and energy infrastructure is critical to the modernisation and progression of our economy, health, and education sectors. Indeed, these works provide vital services to our citizens.

“Roadworks projects are carefully planned, programmed, and publicised by the Department and the utility providers in advance. This is to avoid as much disruption as possible and whilst we can and do undertake mitigations, some congestion is inevitable”