AQW 25539/11-15

Mr Chris Lyttle
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/09/2013
Answered On Date: 24/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether he has plans to develop a cycle route from Victoria Park to Holywood.

Answer:

I can advise the Member that cycling facilities already exist along the A2 between Victoria Park and Holywood.

In the longer term, my Department’s preferred option for improving the A2 Sydenham Bypass between the M3 Lagan Bridge Junction and the Tillysburn Junction proposes widening the existing carriageway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction. Pedestrian and cycle facilities will also be enhanced through a high quality shared-use facility on one side of the A2 Sydenham Bypass, adjacent to both the Belfast City Airport and Victoria Park. This shared-use footway and cycle track will be segregated from the carriageway by the provision of a barrier. However, the progression of this scheme is dependent upon the successful completion of the statutory procedures, a satisfactory economic appraisal and the availability of finance beyond the current budget period.