.
Mark McPeak, Roads Service’s Project Manager said: “These essential works will strengthen the Westlink so that it can carry today’s very high traffic volumes, provide good skidding resistance, an even running surface, prevent the formation of surface defects and will reduce road noise thereby improving the safety and comfort of road users.”
The works operations and traffic management arrangements have been carefully programmed to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public, local residents and business, however some disruption will be unavoidable.
Mr McPeak continued: “The work has been scheduled during the summer months to take advantage of the reduced traffic flows and working times will be restricted to overnight and weekends. However, some delays will be inevitable and we would ask that motorists be patient as these essential works progress.”
For safety reasons, it will be essential to close various sections of Westlink throughout the duration of the works. This will include three weekend closures, details are as follows:20.00 on Saturday 2 August 2008 to 06.00 on Monday 4 August 2008 southbound from York Street to Clifton Street. 20.00 on Saturday 9 August 2008 to 06.00 on Monday 11 August 2008 southbound from Clifton Street to Grosvenor Road. 20.00 on Saturday 16 August 2008 to 06.00 on Monday 18 August 2008 northbound from Clifton Street to York Street.
Notes to Editors:
- The exact dates and times of the Westlink closures for resurfacing works will depend on weather conditions and scheme progression and therefore could be subject to change.
- In addition to the weekend closures there will also be extensive overnight closures running from 20.00 to 06.00 each weeknight, the precise details of all the closures and other lane restrictions are available to view on the Traffic Watch website:
- A diversion route will be signed during all closures. For traffic progression reasons there will also be lane restriction on the M2 and M3 during some of these closures.
- For further information on the Westlink resurfacing work the public can contact the road operator, Highway Management, on 028 9046 7604.
- The M1/Westlink and M2 Improvement Schemes are part of a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract.
- Media queries to: Michaela Smyth, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 028 9054 0887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
