Work starts on phase 2 of 16km greenway project in Belfast (+ video)

Work has started on the second phase of a £40 million regeneration project in East Belfast that will create 16 kilometres of off-road paths for cyclists and walkers as part of a linear park.

The first phase of the Connswater Community Greenway project was completed last year, and Belfast City Council says that the project will be completed by late 2016, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

Farrans Construction is now starting work on sections of the route from Orangefield Park to Knock Dual Carriageway and Ladas Drive to Montgomery Road as well as at Connswater Retail Park and Holywood Arches, the location of the new CS Lewis Plaza.

Work on other parts of the route including from Beersbridge Road to Elmgrove, Cregagh Glen and Sydenham Bypass to Mersey Street, will be carried out later this year.

Gordon Clarke, director of Sustrans Northern Ireland, said: "This is a great boost for walking and cycling in east Belfast.

"Sustrans welcomes the start of the second phase of the Connswater Community Greenway which will provide 16km of walking and cycling trails. We look forward to its completion."

The project, which includes flood defence measures, will create a 16 kilometre greenway  running from Belfast Lough to the Castlereagh Hills.

In November, Belfast’s Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon joined Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly member Sammy Douglas for a bike ride on sections of the route that have already been completed at Orangefield and Victoria Park.

The video below gives an overview of the first phase of the project, funded by Big Lottery money, as well as outlining plans for phase two.