A number of studies have been undertaken recently on corridors in Belfast, and have resulted in some innovative solutions being developed. These include designating road space for buses on an urban motorway with utilisation of the hard shoulder and a major study on transport options and investment for the eastern corridor which includes revitalizing a redundant heavy rail alignment to potentially create an extensive segregated bus way. As an example this paper discusses the result of the two-stage study being undertaken by W.S. Atkins in the eastern corridor of the city. This is known as the EWAY study. In the first stage of the project, 14 different options were tested which included on street bus priority, guided bus and LRT in various forms as well as new road options. 8 of these options are under further investigation in stage 2, and final proposals and recommendations will be presented describing possibly one of the most extensive bus based, transit systems in the UK for 25 years. The transport operators have undertaken a separate public participation exercise and the results of this are discussed. As well as public transport, public walking and cycling facilities are also addressed in the EWAY study to provide a generic 3 in 1 sustainable transport solution. The implications for public transport in the #35m upgrading scheme for the M1/M2 urban corridor which includes construction of 2 grade separated junctions and 4.2km of motorway widening is discussed.
Samenvatting