Translink has responded to concerns around pedestrian safety outside the new Belfast Grand Central Station.
Northern Ireland's £340m public transport hub opened to the public last September but a year-long project is still underway to redevelop the public realm space around the new bus and rail station. It's expected that Grand Central Station and wider Weaver's Cross development will be completed by the end of 2025.
One concerned local commuter contacted Belfast Live to highlight the fact that no new pedestrian crossings on the Grosvenor Road months after the opening of Grand Central Station is an "accident waiting to happen".
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He told us: "Pedestrians are being forced to dodge turning buses and four busy lanes of traffic to cross the Grosvenor Road at various points outside Grand Central Station. The current works appear to involve planting shrubs and laying expensive exterior paving but not addressing basic safety needs of customers.
"No new pedestrian crossing has been included as part of this entire multi-million pound scheme (with the exception of moving one a few metres on Great Victoria Street).
"Translink have said pedestrians can cross the Grosvenor Road by using the Durham Street junction – this involves waiting at five separate pedestrian crossing lights (if coming out the front door of the station and trying to cross the road - or getting off a 10m bus and accessing the station).
"This is an unfair ask for busy commuters who are paying customers. An alternative might be to walk up and over the Westlink and back down (possibly a 10-15 minute walk for some people) – which involves waiting for six pedestrian crossing lights! When will this outrageously dangerous situation for pedestrians – who surely make up 99% of Translink customers - be addressed on this busy road?"
In response, a Translink spokesperson said: "Safety is always our top priority and pedestrians heading into the city centre who need to cross the Grosvenor Road are advised to use the designated crossings including at the junction between Durham Street and the Grosvenor Road.
"Public realm works continue to progress and we will keep the public informed on important developments."
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All this comes as lane restrictions and at times closures begin on the Grosvenor Road for a month to facilitate essential works around the new Grand Central Station.
These works will facilitate ongoing public realm works around Grand Central Station with the removal of an underground cable on Durham Street and an upgrade to existing underground cables on the Grosvenor Road. They will be carried out from Tuesday, March 18, until Saturday, April 19.
To facilitate this, the Grosvenor Road will be restricted to two lanes of traffic - one lane city bound, and one lane country bound for the duration of the work. On Sunday, March 23, and Sunday, March 30, there will be a one lane road closure citybound from 6am until 3pm.
Then on Sunday, April 6, and Sunday, April 13, the Grosvenor Road will be fully closed in both directions from the Durham Street exit citybound between 6am to 3pm. Pedestrian access will be accommodated at all times with some restrictions in place and clear signage in place.
Translink said they are working with NIE Networks to minimise any disruption during the closures with "a carefully-planned approach that ensures local business and pedestrian access will be maintained."
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