A new £3.2 million programme of resurfacing works for the Sydenham Bypass in Belfast will get underway on Wednesday, 25 September.

The work along the citybound lanes, between Tillysburn junction and the start of the M3, is scheduled to be completed over five months with the majority of the work expected to be undertaken under a series of overnight and weekend closures. Lane closures may also be required at other times.

The work commences with overnight lane closures (10pm to 6am) on both Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September. A weekend road closure will then be in effect from 10pm on Friday 27 September to 6am on Monday 30 September. Further dates will be released as the scheme progresses.

During periods of closure a diversionary route will be clearly signed via Holywood Road, Newtownards Road and Middlepath Street.  An alternative route will also be available via Holywood Exchange, Airport Road and Sydenham Road. Alternative routes will also be signed for cyclists and pedestrians.

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Minister O'Dowd said: "The Sydenham Bypass is a very busy and vital part of the road network linking east Belfast and North Down to the city centre and beyond. This is a substantial investment which will deliver significant benefits for businesses, commuters and the travelling public for many years to come. I would like to thank local residents and road users for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out and ask that they slow down in the vicinity of the work and abide by the temporary traffic management arrangements which are in place to ensure their own safety and the safety of our workers and contractors."

In addition to the resurfacing scheme the Department has also published its intention to make an Order under Article 68 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, the effect of which would be to stop-up two lengths of the bypass and prevent right turns at the following locations: –

• the north-west side of the city bound carriageway opposite the pedestrian entrance to Sydenham Railway Station and adjacent to Sydenham Footbridge

• the south-east side of the country bound carriageway opposite the south-west entrance of turning pocket leading to Belfast Yacht Club (south-west of Sydenham Footbridge)

The works are subject to favourable weather conditions. The Department will keep the public informed of any change.

The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. Those road users, particularly those travelling to Belfast City Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed on the approach to the works.