Around £6.8m is to be invested in Belfast's roads this year, the Transport Minister has said.

Conor Murphy said major improvements on the M2 are still to be completed, with a widening programme on the A12 Westlink also planned.

"The major improvement works on the M2 which, included the replacement of three bridges, has provided three traffic lanes in each direction between the Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions," said the Minister.

Mr Murphy welcomed the road maintenance schemes progressed in the Belfast area last year.

Road Service's Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the planned investment in local transport and safety measures in the Belfast city area.

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Other schemes due to be completed in Belfast this year include a channelisation plus island provision at Grand Parade and Antrim Road at Belfast Zoo; pelican crossing provision at the Gransha shops on the Glen Road, Dunkeld Gardens at Oldpark Road and near the King's Hall on the Upper Lisburn Road.

Mr McCourt drew attention to the development work that was being undertaken on strategic road improvement schemes in Eastern Division.

As one of the most heavily used carriageways in the greater Belfast area the A2 Sydenham Bypass is a vital part of the strategic highway network.

An initial assessment has been completed on the upgrading a 2.5km stretch from a dual two lane carriageway to a dual three lane.

Roads Service said it has been liasing with Planning Service to achieve successful integration of this proposal with plans for a new junction associated with development of Titanic Quarter.

The preferred option report is due in the Autumn.

(PR/JM)