New 50mph Speed Limit Introduced on M2 Between York Street and Fortwilliam

North Belfast motorists travelling along the M2 northbound may have spotted newly installed 50mph speed limit signs along one of our busiest local commuter routes.

The reduced speed limit applies between the York Street on-slip and the Fortwilliam junction. Once drivers pass the Fortwilliam exit, regular motorway signage resumes and the standard 70mph limit applies. Additional signage has also been installed where the M5 joins the M2 to alert merging traffic to the reduction.

While several local drivers noted the unexpected appearance of the signs, the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that the temporary change was advertised on 7 October before taking effect on 17 October. Officials explained that the decision follows a comprehensive safety review into an incident along the foreshore section of the M2.

The review was prompted by a collision that occurred on 20 March near York Street Station. During the incident, a heavy goods vehicle travelling northbound was involved in a crash with another vehicle and struck the motorway containment barrier. The barrier, which separates the motorway from the parallel Belfast to Derry railway line, gave way, allowing the lorry to cross onto railway property and come to rest in the track cess.

Shortly after the crash, a passenger train operating the 3:51pm service from Larne Town to Belfast approached the area. The train driver spotted the vehicle ahead, applied the brakes, and was able to pass safely at around 16mph without striking the lorry. The lorry driver sustained injuries, and substantial damage was caused to the vehicle, safety barriers, and rail infrastructure, prompting an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

The temporary limit will stay in place while engineers complete a full assessment of the barrier's effectiveness and determine whether permanent barrier enhancements or mitigation measures are required.