Belfast City Council has warned of traffic restrictions at the junction of the Upper Springfield Road and Whiterock Road over forthcoming weekends.

Improvements at the junction, part of the council's 'Renewing the Routes' programme, are nearing completion.

The surrounding pavements have already been renewed, kerbing replaced and Caithness Paving has been introduced to define the busy shopping area.

The council said this work complements the facelift to the shops, previously achieved under the scheme.

The final stage of improvements are now to take place on the road surface, and restrictions have been scheduled.

Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 August: the road will be closed from 11pm on Saturday until 9am on Sunday, then one lane will be in operation for remainder of day.

Sunday 24 August: one lane will be in operation throughout the day.

Once the road resurfacing has taken place, more user-friendly pedestrian crossings will be introduced, along with semi-mature planting.

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Traffic and topographical surveys have been undertaken to isolate problematic areas, and the whole scheme was designed following consultation with DRD Roads Service and the local community.

The 'Renewing the Routes' programme aims to improve the environment across Belfast's main roads, including Falls Road, Shankill Road, Crumlin Road and Springfield Road.

Phase One in Upper Springfield was funded through Belfast City Council's 'Brighter Belfast' initiative. The latest improvement was the Panoramic Viewpoint at the junction with the Monagh Road.

Previous projects included new signage at local shops, improved parking facilities and a masterplanning exercise to plan future works.

Belfast City Council has pledged commitment to the targeted regeneration scheme in Upper Springfield, funded by the Integrated Development Fund.

Future projects scheduled in Upper Springfield Road include improvements to more shops and an environmental project at the Springhill Park entrance, in association with Groundwork and the local community.

Graffiti removal and targeted clean-ups are also planned.

Regeneration work on Belfast's arterial routes follows a key recommendation of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force report of 2002 highlighting the need for enhancement of main roads, to and from the city centre.

The Integrated Development Fund (IDF) is managed by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and provides additional support to facilitate the production and implementation of agreed comprehensive plans to develop, and rejuvenate selected areas and communities in an integrated way.

The IDF is administered by the Department of Social Development.

(PR/JM)