To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what measures his Department is taking to mitigate against further traffic congestion caused by closing the Sydenham Bypass on 30 September to 3 October 2022, 7 to 10 October 2022, 14 to 17 October 2022 and 21 to 24 October 2022.

Local officials have met with the contractors to review the arrangements over the first weekend to seek to identify improvements aimed at reducing congestion over the weekends of 30 September - 3 October, 7- 10 October, 14-17 October and 21- 24 October when further works were planned.

As well as providing increased signage, additional cones were deployed to encourage vehicles to use the planned diversion along the Sydenham Road. My Department has also been working with our contractor to open access to the M3 bridge from the Westlink to the Sydenham Road for the remainder of the works and this should also help alleviate congestion.

Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.