Traffic and travel ahead of Apprentice Boys Derry Day parade

Largest loyal orders parade as well as March for Gaza and tractor run set to take place in the Derry and Strabane area this weekend

Thousands of Apprentice Boys will take part in ‘Derry Day’ on Saturday, the single largest loyal orders event in the parading calendar.

The parade will get underway from 9.30am on Saturday morning as the Apprentice Boys of Derry mark the relief of the Siege of Derry in 1689. Ten thousand Apprentice Boys and 124 bands are expected to take part, with supporters expected to line the route of the parade.

The PSNI has issued traffic and travel advice ahead of the event.

READ MORE: Explosion outside house in Maghera overnight confirmed by policeREAD MORE: Tributes for mum-of-four Imelda Bannon following sudden death

A police spokesperson said: “Traffic diversions and delays are likely from around 9am when there will be some smaller parades ahead of the main parade, which starts at 12.30pm. Information about diversions and road closures will be signposted.

“The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade as it is part of the main parade route. The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road. There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside.

“The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only. Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road.”

The police advice continued: “Drivers travelling from the Limavady direction, towards Strabane, will be diverted at Caw Roundabout via Crescent Link towards Newbuildings.

“Traffic bound for the Cityside should use Foyle Bridge. Motorists can also travel via Lifford into the city via Letterkenny Road. Motorists travelling from Strabane, towards Limavady, will be diverted at Newbuildings towards Altnagelvin.

“Prehen will remain open with local access and for parade bus traffic only. Officers will be on the ground to assist, with signage in place.”

The police spokesperson added: “Diversions/road closures will remain in place until the main parade and associated feeder parades are complete.”

There was further traffic advice with other events set to take place in the Derry and Strabane area on Sunday, including a march for Gaza in Derry city.

“In Newtownstewart, participants in a charity tractor and truck run by Newtownstewart Young Farmers will assemble at the livestock mart at 12.30 for registration, and leave from there at approximately 1.30pm,” a police spokesperson said. “The convoy will travel along Strabane Road, Plumbridge Road, Dergbrough Road, Culvacullion Road, Killymore Road, Strahulter Road, Moyle Road, Main Street and back into Newtownstewart.”

“On Sunday, there is a March for Gaza with participants leaving from Bishop Street at 1.45pm towards Guildhall Square with dispersal from there at 3.30pm.”

The spokesperson added: “Please be aware of some traffic delays as each of these events take place, and drive with extra caution.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.