Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015
District Proposals: Belfast Harbour Area Transportation

Policy for the protection of transportation schemes is contained in Policy TRAN 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

The Sydenham Bypass on the A2 is one of the most heavily used urban roads in the BMA and operates close to its capacity at peak times. Currently it carries over 50,000 vehicles a day and forms a vital section of the BMA’s strategic highway network linking Bangor and Belfast and providing access to the Major Employment Location at Belfast Port and Harbour.

The proposed widening of the Sydenham Bypass will enhance the capacity of the road network at this location and facilitate easier access for strategic traffic.

The section of the M2 south of Sandyknowes carries approximately 56,000 vehicles per day. Morning peak congestion is recognised as a major problem on this route and the proposed road widening of the M2 south from Sandyknowles will provide greater capacity on the downhill.

This strategic road scheme involves widening of the M2 southbound from Sandyknowes junction, increasing the current 2 lane motorway on the southbound carriageway to 3 lanes as far as Greencastle where the M2 meets the M5. It also involves widening the motorway to 3 lanes on the northbound section of the M2 over the Greencastle flyover. This will reduce congestion on this route at peak times. A portion of the proposed road scheme falls within Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

The proposed new junction on the A2 will replace the existing Dee Street junction and provide improved access to Belfast Harbour. The new junction will be expected to be implemented as part of the Connsbank Link scheme which will provide a new route between the Newtownards Road/Holywood Arches and the A2.

Developers will be responsible for funding both schemes either in full or in a substantial part. DRD’s priority for funding will be concentrated on the construction of major capital work schemes on the Strategic Transport Network. Any contribution towards developer led schemes will be subject to detailed economic appraisal, the availability of funding and inclusion within the major works programme.

Policy for the protection of transportation schemes is contained in Policy TRAN 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

The CITI Route (City Airport Titanic Quarter Route) will link Belfast City Centre and Belfast City Airport through Titanic Quarter in the Bangor Metropolitan Transport Corridor (MTC). The plan identifies four rapid transit schemes to be progressed during the Plan period. EWAY has been selected as the pilot stage in recognition of the need to supplement conventional bus services in this Metropolitan Transport Corridor (MTC) which, unlike most of the others, does not have a rail service.

Detailed planning of the CITI Route will take place during the Plan period. Proposals for implementation of the CITI rapid transit scheme may be advanced during the Plan period, however, this will be subject to the development of Titanic Quarter.

Policy for the protection of transportation schemes is contained in Policy TRAN 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

The proposed new railway station at Tillysburn will serve Belfast City Airport and the Holywood Exchange development and in the longer term provide the potential for rail-rapid transit interchange with the development of the CITI rapid transit scheme.

Policy for the protection of railway stations is contained in Policy TRAN 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

The exact location of the Fortwilliam Park and Ride site will be determined in association with the comprehensive development of the North Foreshore Employment/Industry site.

The Fortwilliam Park and Ride site will be served by dedicated bus services to/from central Belfast alongside enhanced bus priority measures on the M2.

Policy for the protection of Park and Ride Schemes is contained in Policy TRAN 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.