M1/Westlink Information

Introduction

Roads Service is improving the M1/Westlink, which is the strategic route that connects the M1 to the M2 and M3 Motorways within Belfast. It also provides access to Belfast City Centre, the Port of Belfast and Belfast City Airport.

Construction will be starting early in 2006 and on completion road users will be able to travel freely along the Westlink in both directions between York Street and the M1 Motorway without having to stop at any junctions. This will reduce congestion experienced on the Westlink itself and provide considerable improvements in journey time.

Construction

During the scheme the public will be kept informed of roadworks, delays and alternative routes and a telephone information service will be provided which will have up-to-date information on the works.  Telephone number is 08457 123 321.

Information will also be provided through the local press, radio, television and this website. The public can receive an email alert of significant traffic events on the M1/Westlink and the surrounding road network during construction. Register for this free service through www.roadsni.gov.uk/westlinktrafficalert or by clicking the Active Notifcation Box opposite.

Further information on the contract can be obtained from the Strategic Road Improvement team on 028 9025 3000 or through email at TICC.Belfast@drdni.gov.uk.

Temporary Traffic Management

• Two traffic lanes will be maintained in each direction through the works from 6am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-10pm on Sundays.
• These lanes may be narrower than normal and subject to a reduced speed limit.
• Sections of the M1/Westlink or connecting roads will be closed on occasions to allow certain works to be undertaken safely.
• Closures will generally be at night or at weekends when traffic flows are lighter.
• Signs advising of road closures will be displayed one week in advance of each closure.
• The contractor will be charged for lane and road closures.
• Signed alternative routes will be available for traffic with destinations beyond Belfast.
• A vehicle recovery service will operate throughout the works.  Immobile vehicles can be towed clear of the works free of charge.

Travel Alternatives

We will be trying our best to keep disruption to a minimum during the construction period. However, with a job of this size on a road carrying over 65,000 vehicles per day, some disruption is inevitable. Here are some of the things that may help, for the benefit of everyone. Motorists should consider switching to public transport during the scheme or use alternative travel options.  For information on public transport services go to www.translink.co.uk.

To reduce the congestion on the M1/Westlink  and assist the travelling public, Roads Service is planning to introduce Park & Ride facilities at Black´s Road and Sprucefield for the duration of the scheme. The public should consider car sharing which can be facilitated throught the Travelwise NI Car Share scheme. Register for this free service through www.travelwisenicarshare.com  Email info@travelwiseni.com or Telephone 0845 378 0908

Signed Alternative Routes

The following alternative routes will be available for traffic with destinations beyond Belfast.

Variable Message Signs will be positioned at key junctions to inform drivers of current traffic conditions through the road works and help them make an informed choice about their route.

Traffic progression along alternative routes will be improved by:-

• Introducing traffic signals at the Milltown, Belvoir and Hospital Roads junctions;
• Improving the Hillhall Road / Glen Road junction;
• Improvements to the M1 Jct 6 (Saintfield Road) roundabout and Largymore Link;
• Restricting other planned works along alternative routes during construction.

Once completed, these improvements will provide better access to and through Belfast and this will benefit all road users, including public transport, the haulage industry, as well as private car users. Although this scheme will cause delays during construction, these works on this key strategic route will deliver huge benefits to the Northern Ireland economy.

Additional Information

• Additional information about the M1 / Westlink works
• DRDNI TrafficWatch M1 / Westlink latest
• Public information leaflet (pdf)