The three-year £104m Westlink upgrade was officially opened on Wednesday 4 March 2009 by Roads Minister Conor Murphy, five months ahead of schedule.
The road is already in use and the improvements have drastically cut congestion on the major artery through Belfast.
Speaking at the launch at the Europa Hotel, he said: “The construction of two new underpasses at Broadway and Grosvenor Road junctions will ensure shorter and more reliable journey times, which will benefit all road users, including public transport, the haulage industry, as well as private car users.
“Given the complexity of this project and the difficulties that the construction team faced I welcome the early completion of this project some five months ahead of programme.
“It is also important to acknowledge the contractor’s excellent safety record on this major scheme, which has been delivered without any serious accidents.”
Mr Murphy said although road users had experienced some delays during construction, the widely predicted traffic congestion had never materialised.
Leo Martin, spokesman for HMC said: “The construction of the underpasses, and the on-line widening, were particularly challenging but made to look effortless by a team of dedicated staff and subcontractors who worked tirelessly throughout the last three years to get us to where we are today.”
Picture above (L-R):- Andrew Bill, HMG, Conor Murphy, Roads Minister, Martin Pugh, HMG, Leo Martin, HMC & Eamon Sweeney, HMC.