Figures reveal major roads project needs prioritised, says Armstrong

Figures released by the Department for Infrastructure following an Alliance written question shows the peak daily traffic flow at the interchange area is 111,800 vehicles. This is compared to 20,704 on the A5 Western Transport Corridor, 20,630 on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson and 26,720 on the A6 Derry to Dungiven. The figures are from traffic surveys undertaken in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said it was proof the York Street interchange should be prioritised as soon as possible.

“It is disappointing the Minister has decided to prioritise the likes of the A5 and A6, when these figures confirm the York Street area sees more traffic than either of those stretches of roads combined.

“Even though York Street is in Belfast, the investment to improve the traffic flow at Northern Ireland’s busiest junction will reduce emissions from commuters and freight from counties north and west of the city.

“Alliance wishes to see investment outside of Belfast too but we need to be realistic. The figures show congestion is heavier at the York Street junction, so it makes more sense to resolve the issues there, rather than do what the Minister is currently doing, which is prioritising his and his party’s infrastructure objectives instead of what is in the greater good.”