A new active travel construction project worth £650,000 has officially begun on Island Street in Belfast, forming a crucial link within the wider Belfast Cycling Network.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that the scheme started this week, aiming to provide safer and more environmentally friendly transport options in the east of the city.

The scope of the work involves the construction of a new two-way segregated cycle track, alongside the implementation of new traffic calming features along the section of Island Street between the Ballymacarrett Road Underpass and the junction with Dee Street. Once complete, the new infrastructure will seamlessly connect with the existing cycling facilities on Middlepath Street, which leads directly into the City Centre, as well as linking to the Ballymacarrett Walkway, providing access to the Connswater and Comber Greenways.

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Announcing the scheme, Minister Kimmins stated: "This scheme represents a significant investment in active travel infrastructure in the east of the city and further demonstrates my ongoing commitment to walking, wheeling and cycling . Schemes such as this provide safer, healthier and environmentally friendly transport choices for people who wish to leave the car behind for some of their shorter everyday journeys. I would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while these works are being completed."

To facilitate the necessary construction operations and maintain safety for both site workers and the public, temporary traffic management arrangements are required. Daily lane closures will be in effect along Ballymacarrett Road and Island Street between Monday, 17 November 2025 and Monday, 1 December 2025. Following this, the road will be fully closed to through traffic from Monday, 1 December 2025 until early Spring 2026. The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that access for local businesses, residents, pedestrians, and cyclists will be maintained at all times throughout the construction period.