New drone footage taken from the skies above Belfast's under construction Grand Central Station shows how far the project has come. Translink chief executive, Chris Conway, says the public transport provider is "on track" to open the station operationally this autumn but public realm and street works will continue into 2025.
A range of stations between Lisburn and Belfast have been closed this summer for works to connect the new 8-track station to the network. The new state-of-the-art integrated transport hub will also cater to coaches and buses, with 26 stands.
Translink say extensive behind the scenes work will connect Belfast Grand Central Station to the network and a new communications centre at Lanyon Place while they are also carrying out safety testing and training to get everything ready to open to passengers.
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Mr Conway added: "This latest drone footage really does a great job in showing what is happening behind the scenes at one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the UK this year.
"We are on track for operational opening this autumn and while that is an exciting next step in our journey, public realm street works will continue into 2025. Simultaneously, while infrastructure and technology work is completing, more than 300 rail staff from drivers to conductors, signallers and station staff are undergoing training to operate new systems and signalling technology."
The new Belfast transport hub will be 10 times bigger than previous stations and will be able to cater for up to 20 million customer journeys annually, when opened.
To date, Translink say 6km of new track has been laid with 19 switch and crossing points, 8 buffer stops, 2,000 new sleepers and some 33 tonnes of new ballast. A new road has also been laid along the tracks to facilitate work on the 26 new bus stands – 10 more than is currently available at Europa Buscentre.
Work is also underway to embed a new upgraded state of the art intelligent signalling system with the h ighest industry standards in safety and performance - part of Translink’s continued improvement programme to modernise and enhance the network.
Chris continued: "As you can see from the video, the Belfast Grand Central team are exceptionally busy this summer on a wide range of significant projects from completing the engineering works and construction to the building as well as street works to facilitate access to the new transport hub. The team is also tasked with ensuring all the safety testing and staff training is completed to keep operational opening on track for the autumn.
"We really want to thank passengers, the local community and public at large for their patience as we complete these essential works and look forward to welcoming them to Belfast Grand Central Station which, beyond transport, will ensure Northern Ireland is Better Connected today and for future generations."
While work is being completed, enhanced bus timetables have been introduced to keep passengers moving with enhanced park and ride services and bus substitutions while rail line are closed between Belfast and Lisburn. Passengers are being urged to plan ahead using Translink’s website or Journey Planner and leave some extra time for their journeys.
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