AtkinsRéalis appointed for Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 engineering services

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure to provide design, consultation and construction management services for Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2, a major programme expanding the city's rapid-transit bus network. The appointment runs from 2026 to 2032, supporting phased delivery of the £124.5 million (€158 million) infrastructure scheme progressed as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

FM Industry reported that AtkinsRéalis will provide integrated design and construction management services covering stakeholder engagement, engineering design, planning and statutory approvals, procurement support and construction supervision. The contract supports expansion of the BRT Glider network into north and south Belfast, building on the success of the initial BRT phase launched in 2018.

Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 1 increased public transport use along the corridor by 70 per cent, resulting in substantial shift from private car travel to rapid transit. BRT2 aims to extend this success by improving network resilience, contributing to Northern Ireland's net-zero ambitions and strengthening access to key destinations across the city.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "I remain committed to the delivery of BRT Phase 2 which will extend the Glider network into north and south Belfast. On-site survey works began in June 2025 to inform the preliminary design, and the Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025."

Ian Spellacey, market director for strategic highways at AtkinsRéalis, said: "Schemes like Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 matter because they help cities make better use of existing networks, improve access to jobs and services, and provide realistic alternatives to car travel. Delivering them well depends on good planning and close collaboration from the outset, so projects can move smoothly from design into construction and deliver long-term value for the city."

Access the full story on AtkinsRéalis' Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 engineering services contract and delivery scope.