Translink were warned by Stormont officials two months ago that their planning application for works around Belfast's new public transport hub was "unacceptable", it has emerged.
The company was reportedly forbidden from starting any work at Durham Street and Boyne Bridge until they had demonstrated the resulting impact did not adversely affect road users.
The city centre has been hit with traffic chaos at peak times in recent weeks due to road closures and diversions linked to the opening of the new Grand Central Station being key factors in the disruption.
READ MORE: Belfast business boss hopeful traffic issues will be fixed before Christmas
READ MORE: O’Dowd appeals to MLAs to stop describing city congestion as ‘chaos’
While commuters have been urged to look at switching to public transport to help alleviate the congestion, bus and train services have also been hit by delays and cancellations.
In a letter from planning officials at the Department for Infrastructure dated October 17th 2024 and seen by BBC Northern Ireland's The Nolan Show, Translink were reportedly forbidden from commencing work before traffic mitigation was fully implemented.
The letter reportedly stated that the company had not demonstrated how it would adequately mitigate for transport disruption. In response, Translink stated that it had met all the conditions and the planning application was later rubber stamped and deemed robust.
It comes after a meeting on Monday between DfI and Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster, Translink, the Business Improvement Districts, PSNI and Belfast City Council ended without a clear decision on how to resolve Belfast's traffic congestion.
It's understood that solutions under consideration included incentivising park and rides, reconsidering turning restrictions along Great Victoria Street, yellow boxes enforcement, allowing taxis to use bus lanes and reducing public transport fares.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·