Ormeau to Gasworks bridge progress hailed as 'major step forward'

A South Belfast councillor has hailed a "major step forward" in plans to create a new bridge from Ormeau Park to the Gasworks.

The Department for Infrastructure has now taken over the land on either side of the River Lagan where the proposed bridge is due to be built and has started the tender process for the work on its construction.

SDLP Botanic councillor Gary McKeown welcomed the "major step forward" saying the bridge will have a massive positive impact on the area by connecting communities together and creating new active travel routes for people to walk or cycle to and from the city centre.

Read more: River Lagan bridge to Belfast Gasworks gets completion date

Read more: Full approval for new Lagan Bridge between Ormeau Park and Gasworks 'almost there'

He has also called for clear plans to be presented to the local community so that they have a full understanding of the project which is due to be completed in 2027.

He said: "I'm pleased that plans for the bridge between the Gasworks and Ormeau Park have taken a major step forward, with the Department for Infrastructure going out to tender for the construction work, and taking control of the land on either side of the River Lagan where the bridge will go.

"We have been calling for this major project to happen, so it's good to see fresh movement on it. When it opens, it'll have a massive positive impact on the city, connecting up communities on either side of the river and providing a direct route for people to walk or cycle to and from Ormeau Park, the lower Ormeau Road, the Market and the city centre.

"It's also really important that we now see the council develop clear plans to create routes through Ormeau Park in consultation with local residents to provide properly-lit connections to the bridge in time for the planned opening in 2027, and this is something I have raised and requested action on.

"The through-routes need developed and delivered before the ribbon is cut on the bridge to enable communities across the city to fully benefit from it. We know that roads such as the Ormeau Road and Ravenhill Road are often choked with traffic, but the new bridge, routes through Ormeau Park and the planned cycle route on the Ravenhill Road will help alleviate this and create a healthier environment for people living and travelling through the area, and well and contributing to better general health and wellbeing."

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