There could be more traffic misery ahead for motorists with the announcement of lane closures at a busy road junction in the outskirts of west Belfast.
Work on a £2.4 million road safety improvement scheme at The Cutts junction in Dunmurry is set to start on October 14, which will include the closure of the Derriaghy Road for 20 weeks.
The route, which carries around 20,000 cars per day, is set to undergo safety improvements for right turning vehicles and pedestrians with the widening of the McKinstry Road to accommodate a revised traffic signal layout at this busy McKinstry Road/Derriaghy Road/Cutts junction.
The Department of Infrastructure said that in “order to complete the work safely it will be necessary to implement lane closures throughout the duration of the scheme”.
It added: “The number of running lanes will also be reduced to one lane in each direction as the work progresses, particularly in the Belfast bound direction over the initial weeks of the scheme to allow for the carriageway widening.
“Derriaghy Road will also have to close from mid November for 20 weeks to allow for carriageway widening, slip road construction and culvert works.”
Stormont infrastructure minister John O’Dowd said: “I am committed to improving road safety and am pleased that this scheme is now getting underway which will bring significant benefits to all road users and pedestrians on this busy thoroughfare which carries around 20,000 cars per day.
“In addition to the widening of The Cutts junction this major investment will also include widening of footways, improved cycling facilities and enhanced pedestrian crossings with the introduction of new PUFFIN/TOUCAN controlled crossings, improving active travel opportunities for those who wish to walk, wheel or cycle, as well as better access to the Glider halt, local schools and businesses.
“With the construction of this type of scheme, delays to traffic in the vicinity of the works are inevitable.
“As such, I would ask for the public’s co-operation and abide by temporary traffic management arrangements and where possible consider an alternative route while the department completes the works.”
