M2/M3 to A12 Westlink link, York Street Junction, Belfast

doopa

Looks like this will be going ahead:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-37986358

More info on the scheme here:
http://yorkstreetinterchange.com/

And analysis from Wesley Johnston here:
http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/roads/m2m3westlink.html

Pretty major update to a key junction in Belfast. Even after the upgrade I can still see this being a horrible set of intersections.

Aontachtoir

SF and SDLP calling for a review of the need for the York Street Interchange upgrade, currently held up by a legal challenge. Seemingly, representatives from these parties believe that Covid will lead to a long-term drop in commuters, rendering the project unnecessary.

Wonder how many projects we'll see being "reviewed" down here.

onrail

Aontachtoir wrote: »

SF and SDLP calling for a review of the need for the York Street Interchange upgrade, currently held up by a legal challenge. Seemingly, representatives from these parties believe that Covid will lead to a long-term drop in commuters, rendering the project unnecessary.

Wonder how many projects we'll see being "reviewed" down here.

And where should the money be spent? Northern Ireland employment is incredibly reliant on public infrastructure spending - unless a viable alternative is found, it’s hard to see public support waning.

Also, such is the scale of congestion at that junction, it would take (at a guess) 30% of a reduction from peak for the business case cease to be viable.

Chris_5339762

That junction is a disgrace. Its also hideously confusing. Belfasts version of Dunkettle.

BelfastVanMan

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

That junction is a disgrace. Its also hideously confusing. Belfasts version of Dunkettle.

Never going to get done, now, not in the next 20 years, anyway.

Joke of a junction, you're right.

Rodin

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

That junction is a disgrace. Its also hideously confusing. Belfasts version of Dunkettle.

It's busy but not confusing. Sure it's all signposted for those who don't know where to go.
Never found Dunkettle roundabout confusing either

The real issue with the Westlink is that it's only 2 lanes with no long sliplane for cars entering.

riddlinrussell

The opposition to the YSI tends to be primarily focused on it further dividing the west from the city centre (the Westlink was practically built with the intention of doing so).

I personally felt that the restructuring of the junction actually reduced separation as at the minute to cross it as a pedestrian it is an absolute hellscape of lights, massively wide roads and wasteland, but it could definitely be better.

I think at this stage the only realistic option that might get through the stronger push for environmental and community benefits, would be a far larger budget for it and for it to be a combination project to fully enclose the Westlink and this junction and build a linear park along the top.

Doing this might involve a reduction in junctions both for the Westlink and fewer possible movements at YSI itself, but I don't think that's really a bad thing, the YSI key goal should be free flow from M1 to M2/M3, movement into the city using it should be deprioritised.

Rodin

riddlinrussell wrote: »

The opposition to the YSI tends to be primarily focused on it further dividing the west from the city centre (the Westlink was practically built with the intention of doing so).

I personally felt that the restructuring of the junction actually reduced separation as at the minute to cross it as a pedestrian it is an absolute hellscape of lights, massively wide roads and wasteland, but it could definitely be better.

I think at this stage the only realistic option that might get through the stronger push for environmental and community benefits, would be a far larger budget for it and for it to be a combination project to fully enclose the Westlink and this junction and build a linear park along the top.

Doing this might involve a reduction in junctions both for the Westlink and fewer possible movements at YSI itself, but I don't think that's really a bad thing, the YSI key goal should be free flow from M1 to M2/M3, movement into the city using it should be deprioritised.

Perhaps an over or under for the main body of traffic.
Galway could do with a few of these

ncounties

Rodin wrote: »

It's busy but not confusing. Sure it's all signposted for those who don't know where to go.
Never found Dunkettle roundabout confusing either

The real issue with the Westlink is that it's only 2 lanes with no long sliplane for cars entering.

The West Link does not need any widening. That would be repeating the mistakes of the 70s - 90s. The problem is that there are three sets of traffic lights. One northbound, and two southbound. If they were free flowing, the back ups would reduce. I've driven through it northbound plenty of times during rush hour and it's fine as is, delays yes, but not terrible.

I do however favour more recent announcements that the design should be reviewed as to improve permeability of people. It cuts areas in half, and the current design will ensure this remains forever the same. I think the whole thing, or as much as possible, should be underground.

Chris_5339762

Underground would be incredibly expensive though and would likely never happen. I think the current design is probably the best.

Its too layered and with the river nearby and the railway line and all of that its too difficult to get it underground.