AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to provide design, consultation and construction management services for Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 (BRT2), a major programme to expand the city’s rapid-transit bus network and improve public transport connectivity across Belfast. The commission expands on AtkinsRéalis involvement with DfI in developing infrastructure across the region.
By expanding rapid transit provision and prioritising public transport, BRT2 is expected to improve network resilience, contribute to Northern Ireland’s Net Zero ambitions, and strengthen access to key destinations across the city. The BRT1 initial phase increased public transport use along the corridor by 70%, resulting in a substantial shift away from private car travel.
The appointment will run from 2026 to 2032 and supports the phased delivery of BRT2, a £124.5m programme being progressed by DfI as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.
AtkinsRéalis will provide integrated design and construction management services for the scheme, covering stakeholder engagement and coordination, engineering design, planning and statutory approvals, procurement and contract support, and construction supervision.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“The Belfast Rapid Transit Glider service has been a huge success and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in east and west Belfast.
“I remain committed to the delivery of BRT Phase 2 which will extend the Glider network into north and south Belfast. My officials have been working to progress the scheme at pace since my announcement in February 2025. On site survey works began in June 2025 to inform the preliminary design, and the Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025.
“Therefore, I am pleased to confirm that AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to advance the detailed design and work closely with the DfI BRT2 project team to prepare for the construction phase.”
Ian Spellacey, Market Director, Strategic Highways and Win Work at AtkinsRéalis, said:
“Schemes like Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 matter because they help cities make better use of existing networks, improve access to jobs and services, and provide realistic alternatives to car travel. Delivering them well depends on good planning and close collaboration from the outset, so projects can move smoothly from design into construction and deliver long‑term value for the city.
“AtkinsRéalis brings experience supporting this kind of end‑to‑end delivery, working with public sector clients to help translate transport strategy into implementable schemes.”
(Picture: brt2.org)
