Work will take place this week on the final preparations for a pedestrian crossing on the Ravenhill Road.
The Department of Infrastructure is installing a pedestrian crossing at the entrance of Cherryvale Playing Fields following a cross party campagin to improve road safety in the area.
Works are taking place on Tuesday, April 5, at the entrance to the playing fields in South Belfast in order to prepare for the construction of the crossing next month.
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A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "Please note, the pedestrian entrance to Cherryvale Playing Fields will close on Tuesday 5 April as works are carried out on a pedestrian crossing on the Ravenhill Road. A temporary traffic management system will operate to allow vehicle & pedestrian access through the main gates."
South Belfast SDLP councillors Gary McKeown and Séamas de Faoite also welcomed the final arrangements being put in place to deliver the long-awaited pedestrian and cycle crossing.
Cllr McKeown said: "Last year we were delighted to secure approval for the crossing at Cherryvale after working with Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and officials, so it's great that we are now in the final stretch to see it go live. This is something that the community has really been crying out for over many years, so it was fantastic to get approval across the line and to now see it finally happening.
"I know many parents live in constant fear of having to cross the road with young children, and with Cherryvale going from strength-to-strength with so many youngsters coming up through the ranks in Bredagh and the playpark busier than ever, the crossing is now essential.
"Once the work is done, there will be a collective sigh of relief that there will finally be a safe way for families, young people and the wider community to navigate their way across one of the busiest arterial routes in the city to one of the most popular council facilities in the city, making it more accessible for players, young playground users, and dog walkers.
"The planned work will initially see BT Openreach move a telegraph pole across the road into the grounds of Cherryvale this week, clearing the way for construction to begin on the crossing itself, which is pencilled-in for May."
Cllr de Faoite said: “For many years a crossing has been sought for at this busy point on the Ravenhill Road.
"Working with SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, we proposed using dedicated blue and green infrastructure funding, and had the support of several of the local Lisnasharragh elected representatives.
"Our plan will link Cherryvale to the £1.1m investment at Lagan Gateway and the spectacular Cregagh Glen.
"As part of our overall proposal to secure these crossings and link up the green spaces in the neighbourhood, work is ongoing to secure the best option for the crossing on the other side of Cherryvale on Knockbreda Road.”
The crossing was secured following a campaign by local councillors from all political parties representing the area.
East Belfast Green Party candidate, councillor Brian Smyth said: "Cherryvale Park crossing on the Ravenhill Rd to begin work. Been brilliant to have local councillors from different parties come together to get this over the line. This is local delivery."
Alliance councillor Michael Long also welcomed the crossing saying: "That crossing is finally coming. Delivered by cross party working."
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