Contractors working across Belfast City Centre have been advised of an earlier start to the annual pre-Christmas roadworks embargo, Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced.

The embargo, which restricts non-essential works on key arterial routes, will now begin on November 10 and continue until January 2, 2026.

The Department for Infrastructure has moved the embargo forward by two weeks to help ease congestion as the city enters its busiest trading period. Minister Kimmins said the decision follows close engagement with the business and hospitality sectors to minimise disruption during the festive season.

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"Belfast is a thriving city where people come to work, shop and socialise and like all major cities we can expect more traffic as we head into the autumn and winter months," she said. "My department and those who do business in the city centre share a common goal – to keep Belfast moving as the city gets busier in the run-up to Christmas, and discussions have been ongoing throughout the year about the practical steps we can all take to achieve that."

In addition to the embargo, the Department is extending bus lane operating hours on several major routes, including the Ormeau Road, Lower Lisburn Road and Malone Road. From Monday, November 3, these lanes will operate from 7.30–9.30am and 3.30–6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Minister Kimmins explained that the extended hours will support Translink in maintaining reliable public transport services by reducing delays caused by peak-time congestion. New signage will be installed to inform drivers of the updated times.

A roadworks embargo in other major towns and cities across the north will operate between November 24 and January 2.