The York Street Interchange project in Belfast has taken a key step forward with the launch of a new report.

The Placemaking and Active Travel Review (PATR) report on the project was published, highlighting Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd's commitment to see the York Street Interchange project delivered.

The PATR report identifies a number of options to enhance placemaking and improve active travel provision around the area of the York Street Interchange project.

Launching the report, Minister O'Dowd said: "This Strategic Road Improvement scheme will provide a grade separated interchange to replace the existing at-grade signal controlled junction of the A12 Westlink, M2 and M3 alleviating traffic congestion in the area. It is also significant to our future economic and societal wellbeing.

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"In taking the project forward it is important to take account of our changing environment and aim to maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits of the scheme and its contribution to the future development of Belfast. That is why in the summer of 2020 an Independent Assurance Review of the project was commissioned to determine the project's ability to deliver better connectivity, improve health and wellbeing, tackle the climate crisis and to ensure it is future proofed.

"This latest PATR addresses some of the recommendations from that review while incorporating further work undertaken particularly around placemaking.

"I see the publication of this report as the crucial next step in the York Street Interchange project. It will allow public debate and engagement. Not everyone will agree with the three shortlisted options in the report.  However, I would encourage people, elected representatives and community organisations, particularly in the areas most affected, to engage with my officials as they work to refine those options and explore any implementation issues. This stakeholder engagement will help to deliver for communities, connectivity and the wider living places agenda."