Road to close for a year for Boyne Bridge demolition

Boyne Bridge is to be demolished as part of the new transport hub plans

Work to dismantle the Boyne Bridge in Belfast city centre is to start on Saturday.

Durham Street, which runs across the bridge, will close for a year to facilitate work on the new Grand Central Station.

The current bridge near Sandy Row was reconstructed in 1936, but its origins date back nearly 400 years.

Translink say the work will involve "sensitively dismantling" the bridge.

Drivers will not be able to access Durham Street from Grosvenor Road to Hope Street until the project is completed.

An effigy - representing Translink's plan to replace the bridge - was burned during the protest in 2017

William III, or King Billy, is believed to have crossed the site on his way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Plans to demolish the bridge has led to some opposition from local residents, who called for it to be refurbished and incorporated into the plans.

A protest was held near the site after it was announced in 2017.

William III is believed to have crossed the site on his way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690

In a statement, Translink say the appointed contractor will "seek to preserve key elements of the bridge".

"We are continuing to engage with the local community on an arts and heritage programme which will utilise these materials for future projects," it continued.

Translink is also warning of further traffic delays in the city centre while work continues.