With Belfast's newly completed Grosvenor Road underpass already in daily use, this week's completion of a key road bridge over the same location is a major fillip for Belfast's multi million pound Westlink development.

Drivers crossed the bridge for the first time on Monday morning and work has already begun on dismantling the adjacent temporary structure.

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"We're ahead of schedule. Our programme says we should have this bridge completed by March 2008, I am happy to say we're right there," said Roy Spiers of the Roads Service.

Early next year, the slip roads connecting Grosvenor Road to the Westlink will also be opened to traffic which should cut down on journey times.

The Westlink carries 65,000 motorists every day and is Northern Ireland's busiest road.

The upgrade of the road should be finally completed in 2009.

(BMcC/JM)