St Patrick’s Day traffic and travel in Londonderry

Derry City Council has warned there may be some disruption to traffic flow in the area for next Tuesday.

Motorists are being asked to prepare for some delays when travelling and to allow a little extra time when planning journeys, to ensure a fun and safe day for all attending Derry City Council’s Spring Carnival parade.

The PSNI have also advised the public to expect some level of disruption.

A spokesperson said: “Due to the carnival events taking place there will be some impact on traffic arrangements in the city centre. We would advise motorists to check traffic and travel information in advance of their journey and to follow directions regarding diversions and road closures for the duration of the parade.

“Motorists intending to travel through the city during the relevant period are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, or seek alternative routes.”

Crowds are expected to congregate along the main route ahead of the carnival parade which commences at 2.30pm exiting from the Queen’s Quay Car Park. From there it will turn up Boating Club Lane and proceed along the Strand Road and around the Harbour Square Roundabout before returning back to the Queen’s Quay Car Park along the Queen’s Quay, where it will end at approximately 3.30pm.

Anyone hoping to view the parade can watch it at any point along this route. Wheelchair users and spectators with mobility impairments can access a special viewing platform located in Queen’s Quay, opposite the City Hotel. Anyone wishing to use the platform is advised to arrive in good time to access the area while space remains.

Limited car parking at the rear of the DRD’s Strand Road car park, overlooking the parade’s return along Queen’s Quay, will be reserved for vehicle bound persons to view the parade but will be reserved for Blue Badge holders.

Crowds are also expected to gather in and around the Guildhall Square where the Mayor’s Family Fun Day and the Big Dig will take place between 12noon – 5pm. There will be ample parking facilities in and around the city centre but where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event.

Motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions during the parade. In the interests of safety, the following roads will be closed to traffic or have traffic restrictions in place during the parade: The Strand Road lane closure in front of the Council offices will be in operation between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. The Foyle Embankment lane closure, on the city bound approach to Water Street, will be operational from 2.20pm until 3.45pm approximately.

Strand Road, Harbour Square, Queen’s Quay, Whittaker Street and the Foyle Embankment, between Water Street and the City Hotel, will be closed to traffic during the parade, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Diversions will be in operation during these times.

Please note that all times are approximate and that road closures and diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to ensure safety.

There are no plans to restrict access over the Peace Bridge; however, crowd movement over the Peace Bridge will be monitored and if necessary controls will be introduced to ensure crowd safety, which may result in slight delays to crossing the bridge.