A £580,000 scheme to upgrade the Stranmillis Embankment in Belfast commenced yesterday.

The works, which will improve 1.2km of the eastern footway and cycle track, are expected to take 15 weeks to complete.

The scheme includes the reconstruction and improvement of the existing segregated cycle track and footway between Ormeau Road and Governors Bridge.

The cycle track will be one of the first schemes to benefit from new intuitive red surfacing and splayed kerbs to increase safety and usable width for cycling, while the footway reconstruction will significantly improve the pavement surface for pedestrians along the route.

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Discussing the scheme, Department for Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "I am committed to ensuring that active travel is an attractive option for those who want to walk, wheel and cycle for many of the shorter everyday journeys.

"Part of this commitment includes maintaining the existing assets that we have to ensure that they remain attractive to users. Once completed, the scheme will provide improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the popular route that provides connections to Queen's University, Botanic Gardens, the Lagan Towpath and Riverside Path."

Due to the nature of the work it is necessary to close sections of the cycle track and footway.

Advisory signs and alternative routes are in place and will be updated as the work progresses for both vehicular traffic and cyclists.