Motorists advised to expect road and lane closures during summer-long M3 Lagan Bridge maintenance scheme

The improvement work, which is to start on Friday, May 24, involves replacement of 10 bridge bearings along the M3 Lagan Bridge to ensure the structure remains in a sound condition to manage traffic levels along this key route.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is advising the first weekend road closure will be on the westbound carriageway from 9pm on May 24 until 6am on May 27 when access to the bridge from the A2 Sydenham Bypass will be reduced to one lane with all traffic leaving at Nelson Street Off Slip. There will be no access to M3 bridge from Middlepath Street during this period.

During this time a diversion will be signed from A2 Sydenham Bypass to M2 Foreshore and will include Bridge End Flyover, Bridge End, Queen’s Bridge, Ann Street, Victoria Street, Dunbar Link, Great Patrick Street and York Street.

Minister John O’Dowd said: “The M3 bridge is a key structure linking Belfast and the east to the north and west. Carrying over 90,000 vehicles per day, this significant investment will have long term benefits in restoring and ensuring long term maintenance of the bridge enabling it to carry current and future traffic levels along this key route.

“I would like to thank the travelling public for their patience and cooperation while these important bridge maintenance works are completed.”

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Subject to favourable weather conditions, further work is also scheduled to take place during July and August with lane and road closures in operation over the weekend of 19 - 22 July; 26 - 29 July; 2 – 5 August ; 9 – 12 August and 16 – 19 August.

In a statement, DfI said: “The Department will issue further advice to road users on these plans closer to the time. The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public.

"Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative route which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure.”