A major upgrade to the York Street interchange in Belfast has not advanced nearly a decade after its pledge in a 2017 political agreement. The junction links the M1, Westlink, M2 and M3 roads and handles heavy traffic volumes.

The Democratic Unionist Party secured the commitment from the Conservative government following the 2017 general election. Theresa May became prime minister in 2016 after the Brexit referendum and called the election in spring 2017 to gain a parliamentary majority. Her party fell short and relied on DUP MPs to govern.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon of the SDLP oversaw the project during a key phase. Concerns arose over impacts to nearby communities from plans to enable free-flowing traffic between the city centre and the roads.

Roads analyst Wesley Johnston warned in 2021 that the project might not proceed. He raised similar doubts five years later, pointing to the Climate Change Act as a barrier.

Traffic at the junction has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, worsening delays.