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 14-16 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.
Balmoral Show organisers ask that those attending arrive earlier and leave later to avoid the peak times, which are 11am/12noon and 3.30/4pm. The organisers 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.
A Balmoral Show spokesman 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 visit the translink website
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HMC, contractors for Westlink, have been liaising with the Show's organisers and Public Liaison Manager, 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.”
Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) Chief Executive Colin McDonald said: "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 - www.balmoralshow.co.uk for further transport and Show information."
Notes to Editors:
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