AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure to deliver design and construction supervision services for Phase 2 of Belfast's Rapid Transit programme, according to New Civil Engineer, under a commission running from 2026 to 2032 as part of the £124.5 million Belfast Region City Deal.

The appointment covers a range of project responsibilities from preliminary design through to construction supervision, including stakeholder engagement, planning approvals, procurement support and contract management.

Known as BRT2, the second phase of the Belfast Rapid Transit programme is intended to extend the city's rapid transit bus network north and south from the corridors established by the initial phase, which opened in 2018. The Department for Infrastructure reported that the first phase increased public transport use along its corridor by around 70% and prompted a substantial mode shift away from private cars.

BRT2 is designed to widen coverage to additional neighbourhoods and improve links to employment, education and healthcare hubs across the city. Early elements of the programme are planned to include trials of electric buses, bus priority measures and a new park-and-ride facility, in line with regional net zero objectives.

The Department for Infrastructure has framed BRT2 as a means to increase network resilience and encourage sustainable travel choices across Belfast. AtkinsRéalis has previously worked with the department on infrastructure schemes in the region, and its role on BRT2 will see it handle technical design and oversee construction alongside coordinating with local stakeholders and securing necessary approvals.

Construction work for BRT2 will be phased alongside ongoing city transport initiatives under the Belfast Region City Deal, which also encompasses Belfast Grand Central Station, which began a phased opening in late 2024. BRT2's integration with the station includes construction of the Bankmore Link, providing road connectivity between the station area and the Belfast Cycle Network, as well as a new Lagan Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

The commission reinforces AtkinsRéalis's position as a key engineering partner for major public transport infrastructure in Northern Ireland as the Belfast Region City Deal programme continues to advance.

Access the full details of AtkinsRéalis's BRT2 appointment and what it means for public transport engineering across Belfast.