The main section of the road involved is a 1km stretch between Ivanhoe Avenue and Carryduff roundabout and the work includes the provision of a shared footway or cycleway.

The Roads Service says a carefully programmed works operation together with planned traffic management systems should minimise the inconveniences to residents, local businesses and public transport but says due to the heavy volume of traffic there will be unavoidable delays and disruptions.

Roads Service apologises for any inconvenience however it is impossible to do a scheme like this without disruption.

During weekdays, two-way movement of traffic on the Saintfield Road will be maintained at all times, by providing at least one lane in each direction.

For safety reasons no right turn movements, either into or from public roads and private entrances will be permitted within the coned off areas.

On two Sundays towards the end of the contract, the Saintfield Road will be reduced to one operational lane for Carryduff-bound traffic.

Belfast-bound traffic will be diverted via the Comber Road, Moneyreagh Road, Manse Road and Cairnshill Road.

Advance information signs on closures will be displayed and signing of the diversion route will be in place.

It will also be necessary to close the Manse Road, Mealough Road and Baronscourt Road at times as the work progresses and alternative route signing will be in place.