Motorists advised to plan their journey to the Balmoral Show

Motorists attending the Balmoral Show are asked to leave extra time for their journey and be aware of the ongoing roadworks on the M1/Westlink.

Balmoral show organisers, Roads Service and HMC, the contractors for the M1/Westlink works, have been liaising to facilitate the large number of visitors expected at the show.

With over 70,000 expected to attend the Balmoral Show over the course of the three-day event on 16-18 May, motorists should leave extra time and expect delays. While two lanes will remain open on the Westlink, an increase in the volume of traffic on all routes in and around Belfast is expected.

The temporary traffic arrangements between Stockman's Lane and Black's Road will remain the same for the Balmoral Show event. The contra-flow arrangement at Stockman’s Lane will also remain the same as at present, with two lanes in each direction.

Balmoral Show organisers ask that those attending arrive earlier and leave later to avoid the peak times, which are 11.00am/12noon and 3.30/4.00pm. The organisers also anticipate Thursday to be the busiest day and ask those attending to use the designated car-parks at the House of Sport and Belfast Harlequins’ Playing Field (Off Deramore Park). Flexi-buses have been organised to relay motorists to the Show from these locations.

Balmoral Show organiser, Rhonda Geary, said: “In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, we have joined forces with Translink to offer a joint promotion, encouraging more visitors to use public transport. The King’s Hall is well serviced with a Metro bus stop right outside the door and NI Railway Balmoral Halt across the road so there really is no excuse not to travel in this relaxed way. Check out their website for further details.

“If you must travel by car, I would advise you to avoid the rush hour traffic and only park in our designated park and ride car parks. We would also ask that visitors comply with any request from stewards and the PSNI so that the Show is as enjoyable as possible.”

Roy Spiers, who heads the Westlink Team, said: “We are very aware of the impact of the Balmoral Show on the motorway and have delayed changes to traffic management systems at Stockman’s Lane to accommodate the show traffic. The transfer of traffic onto the new bridge at Stockman’s Lane will not take place until the weekend after the show.”

The Public Liaison Manager for HMC, Anne Monaghan, said: “We expect a large number of motorists to travel through the works next week to the Balmoral Show and have been proactive in anticipating any problems. However, motorists should expect delays, particularly around the Boucher Road and Stockman's Lane and this may impact along the whole length of the works.”

Rhonda Geary, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society concluded, "We look forward to welcoming people from all over Ireland and the UK to the Show and giving everyone a great day out. We would appeal to patrons to refrain from parking within the grounds of the Musgrave Park Hospital as it causes great inconvenience to hospital staff and visitors. Have a look at our website - for further transport and Show information."

Notes to Editors:

Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 028 9054 0372.