A troubling further delay to the upgrade of Northern Ireland’s most important junction at Yorkgate

It is where the M1/Westlink, the M3, and the M2 intersect — a trio of NI’s busiest roads and some of its best infrastructure in the Province, dating back in sections to the 1960s.

Increasingly it has become a congestion point, particularly from the M2 towards the Westlink. It clogs up those three routes, and reduces the benefit of that fine infrastructure, and also impacts on the ability of businesses and individuals to travel within a reliable timeframe.

The DUP secured funding for the upgrade as a result of its confidence and supply agreement with the Tories. It was a key political achievement because it was a project for NI’s capital, and so the entire region, and not a scheme that only appealed to one section of the community.

Detailed plans for the junction were drawn up years ago. It is troubling that there is now another delay to it.

Nichola Mallon ordered a review that has taken the better part of a year, and which has made recommendations which she has accepted. These include matters like “sustainable transport” and creating “liveable places”.

What does this mean? The junction is already major so the new one will not add to pollution.

Will the changes add to costs? Will they mean new plans are needed and big delay? Will they cut capacity for private vehicles, the increase of which is the point of the scheme.

Clarity is needed.

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