The junction is now completed and the traffic lights on the roundabout will go live on Wednesday night on 28 May.
The Minister said: "This represents another significant step towards the completion of the works on the M1/Westlink Project. While the overall project remains ahead of schedule this particular part of the works has been completed exactly on time. The complete replacement of two bridges on a live motorway while keeping traffic running is an amazing achievement – I would again like to commend all involved with the project."
The replacement of the bridges which carry the M1 over this junction has allowed the junction to be widened to accommodate three lanes of traffic and the installation of traffic signals to control traffic going through the junction.
The new traffic signals on the roundabout are linked to the Roads Service Traffic Control Centre and these will be monitored by staff at the Control Centre who co-ordinate traffic movements across Belfast. The new signals will incorporate a pedestrian phase and this will make it safer for pedestrians to cross Stockman’s Lane junction.
Drivers using this junction should take extra car until they become familiar with the new arrangement.
The temporary traffic arrangements on the motorway will remain unchanged as a result of the completion of Stockman’s Lane junction, eg two lanes will be maintained in each direction on the M1 motorway and Westlink.
Notes to Editors:
- The M1/Westlink Scheme is part of a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract which is being funded through a Public Private Partnership.
- The works are being undertaken by HMC, a joint venture which comprises local contractors; Graham Construction and Northstone as well as German contractor Bilfinger Berger.
- Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies or Michaela Smyth, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
