New temporary bus lanes in operation from Monday 1 July.
The temporary bus lanes have been introduced as significant public improvement works around the new Belfast Grand Central Station intensifies.
These measures will provide bus passenger priority, helping make bus travel more efficient and more attractive by enabling faster and more reliable bus journey helping reduce delays caused by general traffic. Increased use of public transport, leads to more efficient use of road space, which in turn brings benefits for the environment, the economy and the well-being of people.
People are recommended to come into Belfast city centre over the coming months using public transport networks or active travel where possible.
These temporary lanes will also ensure that emergency services can continue to access and move through the City Centre.
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, 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, Monday to Friday, from Jubilee Road (City Hospital) to Sandy Row is still being finalised.