City centre traffic described as ‘a nightmare’

Star readers have joined a local councillor in calling for an urgent rethink of traffic management in the city centre.
Lisburn Road works.Lisburn Road works.
Lisburn Road works.

The move comes as many motorists have experienced virtual gridlock.

“We are currently experiencing a high level of road works due to essential maintenance and the ongoing public realm works on Bow Street,” said local Councillor Alexander Redpath. “With many arterial routes affected we need to think how we can overcome these difficulties until works are completed.

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“There seems to be a particular problem in the city centre around the time of the school run.

“It is especially difficult to get from Bachelors Walk and Railway Street out of the city. I have spoken with the road service and suggested that this could be partially relieved by changing the traffic light sequence at the junction of Seymour Street and the Queen’s Road.

“With lanes restricted at the Linen Centre more cars are cutting down Wallace Avenue and Castle Street.

“We need to speed up traffic flow down these roads and changing the light sequence should assist this.

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“I also have concerns about road closures on the Queen’s Road on Sundays. I have requested that signing be changed to alert people that the Low Road can be used as a diversion.

“I want to make it very clear that I fully support the ongoing public realm work on Bow Street,” he added. “Difficulties inevitably arise when this sort of investment takes place.”

Motorists have also contacted the Star to complain at the traffic chaos. “Who authorised the works in the ‘city’ centre?” asked Diane O’Brien on our Facebook.

“Trying to get to Belfast Road from town. Wallace Avenue closed. Castle Street closed. Bridge Street obviously one way. Linenhall Street closed. Right round past bus centre to Laganbank Road to find it’s down to one lane.

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“Then to Queens Road, also closed so had to go via Low Road.

I, as a community care worker ended up 10 minutes late for a call that I should’ve been 15 minutes early for.

“Lisburn centre is a total nightmare and should simply be avoided.”

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