This is the plan to solve traffic gridlock at the busiest junction in Northern Ireland - Belfast's York Street interchange.

Used by 100,000 vehicles a day, the junction that links the M2, M3 and the Westlink is a source of road-rage for motorists who have to battle congestion to drive from one motorway to the other.

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Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has today launched the formal consultation process for the new road interchange, which would take up to three years to complete at a cost of £125-165m.

"The proposed improvements will separate strategic traffic from the local streets by providing direct vehicle links between the Westlink, the M2 and M3," said Mr Kennedy.

"Also included in the proposals is the construction of a new bridge to carry York Street traffic over the junction.

"This is one of the most ambitious schemes planned for Belfast for decades, and I would encourage everyone who cares about the development of our road infrastructure to get involved and take part in the public consultation process."

A public exhibition in the Ramada Encore will display a scale model and computer generated graphics of the scheme on Monday, February 9 from 2 to 9pm and on Tuesday, February 10 from 10am to 9pm.

The Minister added: “In response to the previous consultation on the scheme the proposed York Street Bridge will now be widened to provide a new bus lane into the city and provide improved pedestrian and cycling facilities. This will improve local access from North Belfast to the City Centre”

The consultation period runs from on Wednesday (January 28) until March 10. Depending on the response, a Public Inquiry into the scheme may be held later this year.

Belfast Telegraph