The initiative was announced this morning, November 21, as part of a package of measures to ease congestion on the busy route, when construction work begins in January.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor, Wallace Brown and Joe Drew, Roads Service's Eastern Divisional Manager, launched an information leaflet highlighting the work that will commence in the New Year and also the automatic email alert service to help keep road users informed of the progress of the scheme.

Drew explained: "In preparation for the commencement of the M1 / Westlink Project, Roads Service has prepared an information leaflet for and in conjunction with the freight transport industry. The leaflet explains the road works planned for the M1 motorway and Westlink and gives industry the opportunity to register with Roads Service for regular automatic updates, direct by email, on road closures and the temporary traffic arrangements during construction.

"I would encourage commercial and freight drivers to use the latest traffic information that Roads Service will provide during the work period and to plan their journeys accordingly.

"This is the first in a series of media events that Roads Service will arrange in the run up to the commencement of the works. I am committed to keeping the freight transport industry and general public informed of progress throughout the construction period," he added.

Westlink Email Traffic Alert List