Belfast's Durham Street is set to reopen this November, aiming to alleviate last year's holiday traffic chaos.
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In a bid to alleviate last year’s severe traffic congestion during the festive season, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced the reopening of Durham Street in Belfast this November. The street had been closed following the inauguration of the £340 million Grand Central Station last October, which included the controversial demolition of the Boyne Bridge.
Traffic Challenges and Reopening Plans
The closure of Durham Street has sparked significant concern among local residents and businesses, particularly during the busy 2024 holiday season when traffic levels surged. The reopening is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving traffic management around the new transport hub.
“We have developed a number of proposals for the upcoming festive period,” stated Ms. Kimmins, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
According to the minister, reopening Durham Street will substantially enhance traffic flow compared to last year’s experience. Plans also include extending the operating hours of bus lanes and allowing taxis to use them, a measure that proved beneficial last year.
Additionally, new sensors will be installed to effectively monitor vehicle and pedestrian movement.
“Durham Street is due to reopen towards the end of November, which is hugely positive,” Ms. Kimmins added. “This will make a marked difference compared to what we saw last year.”
Public Transport Satisfaction and New Developments
Translink, Belfast’s primary public transport provider, has reported an impressive 96% passenger satisfaction rate with the new Grand Central Station. Since its launch, the station has facilitated an additional 4 million public transport journeys, underscoring its positive impact on urban mobility.
In conjunction with the reopening of Durham Street, a new pedestrianized public square near the station’s main entrance is set for a phased opening in November. This initiative aims to foster a more accessible and user-friendly environment for both pedestrians and commuters.
However, a significant concern remains: the lack of designated pick-up and drop-off areas for taxis and other vehicles. This absence has led to frequent violations of traffic regulations, with motorists often ignoring double-yellow lines at the Grosvenor Road entrance. Ms. Kimmins did not address potential enforcement actions against these violations but acknowledged the ongoing issues.
Future Service Improvements
In addition to the road reopening, Minister Kimmins has expressed a commitment to enhancing rail services between Belfast and Dublin. In response to increased demand, she is considering upgrading Sunday services from every two hours to hourly, mirroring the successful transition seen from Monday to Saturday.
“We are continually monitoring services and demand across the board,” she said, reiterating her dedication to improving public transport. Regular discussions with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, Dara O’Brien, are part of this ongoing evaluation process.
“I want to see an enhanced public transport service as far as it can go,” Ms. Kimmins concluded, indicating a proactive approach to addressing urban transit challenges.
