Belfast Extends Bus Lane Hours, Advances Christmas Roadworks Embargo to Ease Traffic

The Department for Infrastructure in Belfast has announced an experimental extension to bus lane operating hours starting November 3, 2025, expanding service times to 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, on key routes including Ormeau Road, Lower Lisburn Road, and Malone Road. This initiative aims to improve public transport reliability by reducing bus delays caused by traffic congestion and is part of the broader 'Keep Belfast Moving' strategy. Alongside this, the pre-Christmas roadworks embargo on non-essential works in Belfast City Centre has been brought forward by two weeks, now commencing November 10 and lasting until January 2, 2026, to ensure smoother traffic flow during the busy festive season. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasized the importance of maintaining traffic flow to support businesses and encouraged the use of public transport, park and ride facilities, and alternative routes such as the Outer Ring to alleviate city center congestion. The changes are designed to balance ongoing infrastructure development with the needs of the public and the business community during peak periods. Public notifications and signage will be installed to assist motorists in adapting to the new bus lane hours and road restrictions.