The exhibition which takes place at the Park Avenue Hotel will be open to the public from 3.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday 14 May and 10.30am to 9pm on Thursday 15 May 2008.
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said: “The exhibition is a very important step in the process of informing the local community and other road users about the proposals being developed to address the issue of traffic congestion on this important route into Belfast. My Department is fully committed to meaningful public consultation. The views of road users and members of the local community will provide valuable information to inform the design process.
"The improvement scheme proposed for the Sydenham Bypass is one of a number of schemes which were identified in the Regional Transport Strategy for Northern Ireland and which are currently being advanced by Roads Service."
Notes to Editors:
- Roads Service is currently progressing a scheme to upgrade the A2 Sydenham Bypass to a three lane dual carriageway over a 2.5km length. The proposal involves widening the existing carriageway to provide three lanes in each direction between the M3 and Tillysburn.
- The purpose of the public consultation is to inform and take on board the views of elected representatives, key stakeholders, local residents, road users and the users of local facilities of the extent and nature of the proposed improvement scheme. It also aims to show what options have been considered and can be provided, in terms of road alignment, facilities for road users, cyclists and pedestrians, the treatment of junctions and options for crossing the carriageway and adjacent railway line.
- Prior to the event opening to the public, a presentation to elected representatives and key stakeholders and members of the press will be given by senior Roads Service staff. Roads Service staff will be available throughout the event. A press pack will also be available.
- For this scheme, technical and professional support to Roads Service is being provided by ARUP consultants, who will also be available at the consultation event.
- The A2 is the main road linking Belfast to Bangor and the Sydenham Bypass stretch of this route carries an average of 55,730 vehicles.
- This scheme was identified in the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan by the comments “…proposed the widening of the A2 Sydenham Bypass between Tillysburn and the M3 Lagan Crossing from a 2-lane dual carriageway to 3-lane dual carriageway…” and is included in the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) 2015.
- Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0372. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
