Scheme to extend M1 and M2 bus lanes to commence

by Gráinne Connolly

Work will be starting next week to extend the hard shoulder bus lanes along the M1 and M2 motorways heading into Belfast. 

One the M1, the existing bus lane will be lengthened between Lisburn's Applegreen Services and Junction 7 at Sprucefield. 

Meanwhile, on the M2 a new lane will be added between Junction 2 at Greencastle and Junction 1 B at Duncrue.

Graham Construction will be carrying out the work, and will also be replacing existing bus lane signs and adding more CCTV to the motorways. 

The Department for Infrastructure says the developments will improve motorists journeys on the routes, which are often conjested, particularly at peak times. 

It's hoped to improve service reliability for bus passengers without affecting general traffic flows. 

For the duration of this scheme, the bus lanes will be suspended until Autumn. 

Temporary traffic management arrangements will also be put in place and will generally consist of localised hard shoulder closures and temporary 50 mph speed restrictions. 

It's understood some lane closures may also be necessary at off peak times during evenings/overnight on weekdays but these will be clearly signed in advance.

The scheme will commence on 6th August. 

Full details of any planned traffic restrictions will be available on our TrafficwatchNI website at: http://trafficwatchni.com/home