Construction work is to start on a new £227,000 footway in Castlereagh.

The work on Church Road is planned to commence on Monday, 30 September.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "The scheme will provide 465 metres of new footway along the eastern side of Church Road and will link the existing footway at Grey Castle Manor with the entrance to the Henry Jones playing fields. This footway will provide a continuous route for pedestrians along this section of Church Road and improve road safety, particularly for children walking to and from school.

"The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network. It is also a significant investment in active travel infrastructure and is part of my ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities for active travel and creating further opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."

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As part of the scheme, the Department will also be resurfacing the carriageway along this section of Church Road, costing an estimated £130,000.

The new footway is expected to take approximately 11 weeks to construct. During this time it will be necessary to close Church Road between Marlborough Heights and the Henry Jones Memorial Playing Fields from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday to allow the works to be undertaken safely.

When Church Road is closed, a local signed diversionary route will be in operation. Access to properties within the extents of the works area will be maintained.

Access to Lough View Integrated Primary School and Henry Jones Playing Fields will be from the Manse Road end of Church Road.

Advance warning signs will be erected to provide motorists with information on the works.