Northern Ireland commuters got their first taste of the long-awaited Westlink improvement scheme today, with the opening of a new motorway underpass at Broadway.

A major phase in Belfast's multi-million M1/Westlink upgrade, the new underpass aims to improve journey times for thousands of Ulster drivers.

The underpass, which has opened one year ahead of schedule, will also benefit flow between the M1, M2 and M3 motorways.

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From today, two lanes will operate in each direction through the underpass; this is set to increase to three when work is completed.

NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy said: "The transfer of traffic to the Broadway underpass is the most significant milestone to date in the £104m upgrade of the M1/Westlink."

"With two thirds of the traffic now using the underpass this will improve access across Broadway for pedestrians and will provide the opportunity to improve access to and from the Royal Group of Hospitals," added the minister.

See: Bottleneck Broadway Reopens Friday

(PR/JM)