Members of the Belfast City Council have received an update from the Department for Infrastructure regarding road maintenance and improvement works for the years 2024/25 and 2025/26.
During a meeting on Wednesday, 26 November, Divisional Roads Manager Simon Wells addressed the council, stating:
“The Department’s Final 2025-26 Resource Budget is £637.1m, representing an increase of £77.6m from the 2024-25 opening budget. The Department has been historically underfunded for many years, so this is a welcome increase in the Departments resource budget allocation. However, this does not fully meet the requirements of the Department and therefore decisions on prioritising the budget have been made.
“This year the Department’s Final 2025-26 Capital Budget is £917m, representing an increase of £63.4m from the 2024-25 opening budget. This recognises the importance infrastructure plays to everyday lives by delivering positive change for all as we continue to invest for future generations. The opening capital budget for structural maintenance however stands at £68 million which falls significantly short of our funding requirements. This will allow the delivery of our highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability, and drainage projects. The Department has operated within a constrained resource budget for many years and to help address historical underfunding, additional funding has been allocated to essential maintenance and enhancing signs and lining and builds upon the existing level of service.”
Mr Wells acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2025-26 budget but reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering local transport improvements, safety schemes, and maintenance initiatives that boost road safety.
Mr Wells continued:
“Last year, we completed key resurfacing works on Sydenham Bypass, Dunmurry Lane, and Belmont Church Road. This year we have completed resurfacing projects on Short Strand and Old Dundonald Road, and we are currently on-site resurfacing Norglen Parade.
“At the beginning of November, we introduced extended bus lane hours on the routes from the south of the city which were worst affected by congestion last winter, as we seek to help prevent buses being snarled up in traffic.
“Active Travel schemes are also continuing to progress, and we currently have several projects under construction, including at Lagmore Avenue, West Belfast Greenway Phase 1A, and at Island Street.
“In our ongoing commitment to road safety, the Department is extending part-time 20mph zones to another 40 schools in 2025, bringing the total number implemented since 2020/21 to 273. I’m pleased to confirm that three of these new schemes are planned for the Belfast City Council area. This important initiative aims to make journeys to and from school safer for children, parents, and staff, and demonstrates our dedication to safer routes and stronger communities across the region.”
“These projects will deliver significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in Belfast.”
(Picture: Mapillary)
