Roads Service has been working closely with PSNI and IKEA to develop a traffic management plan to manage anticipated levels of traffic as the store opens its doors on Thursday 13 December 2007 at Holywood Exchange off the A2 Bangor Road.
Experience of similar events elsewhere indicates that traffic congestion in the surrounding area is to be expected in the days after opening. It is expected that after an initial peak, traffic levels should revert to those more normally associated with a store of this size.
The police will have operational control on the ground during the initial period after the opening and will react quickly to any changes in traffic patterns or congestion. IKEA will also be deploying traffic marshals on the private roads around the store to assist to direct traffic into their car parks.
Traffic conditions will be closely monitored by the CCTV cameras in the area and adjustments made to the electronic information signs and traffic signal timings to take account of these conditions.
In addition a series of measures to assist with local traffic management will be in place, including:
- Improvement of carriageway markings in and around the store.
- Provision of additional temporary direction signs on the main approaches to the store.
- Provision of no waiting cones to minimise any disruption created by cars parking on the approach to the store.
- Provision of additional CCTV cameras to monitor traffic conditions in and around the store.
- Provision of overflow parking for over 600 vehicles. This is in addition to the 1,450 spaces in the main IKEA car park.
- Use of electronic driver information signs during the opening period.
Also an enhanced bus service will be in place from the day of opening with a new Metro service operating every 30 minutes from the City Centre. This will also serve Belfast Central Station for rail passengers. Ulsterbus IKEA day tours will operate on Saturdays from locations across Northern Ireland.
During the initial period traffic updates will be provided via the normal media outlets co-ordinated from the Roads Service Traffic Information & Control Centre. The electronic message signs will relay appropriate travel messages regarding traffic conditions in the Greater Belfast area. People can also log onto the Roads Service website www.trafficwatchni.com for real time updates.
Roads Service, in conjunction with PSNI and IKEA, will be endeavouring to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum but would advise that anyone intending to visit the store during this opening period can expect a degree of traffic disruption and thus should allow more time for their journey.
IKEA has launched an extensive advertising campaign which includes details of directions to the store and associated traffic management arrangements.
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies or Don McAleer, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 02890 540817. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
