M3 Lagan Bridge: Everything you need to know as busy route to close this weekend

The closures and diversions will be in place across two weekends

Part of the M3 is due to close this weekend as part of a £400,000 major maintenance scheme.

Last summer, ten bridge bearings were replaced, and a further eight are now scheduled to be replaced over two weekends in August. This will take place across Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4, and Friday, August 15 to Monday, August 18.

Road closures and diversions will be in place during this time, with motorists asked to leave more time for their journeys. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “The M3 bridge is a key structure which carries over 90,000 vehicles and these improvement works are essential to ensure that the structure remains in a sound condition to manage current and future traffic levels along this key route.

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“These are specialist works which I recognise may cause some disruption to traffic, however this short term inconvenience will help ensure the safety of the travelling public and avoid more disruptive works to the bridge in the long term.

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

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the roadworks.

When will the M3 be closed?

Part of the M3 will be closed across two weekends in August, firstly from Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4, then from Friday, August 15 to Monday, August 18.

A £400k major maintenance scheme on the M3 Lagan Bridge is to recommence on Friday, August 1.

What part of the M3 will be closed during roadworks?

The first weekend road closure will be on the eastbound carriageway from 9pm on Friday, August 1, until 6am on Monday, August 4. During this time the M3 will be closed between M2 Foreshore to Dee Street and there will be no access to the bridge from the M2, with all traffic leaving at Nelson Street Off Slip. There will also be no access to M3 bridge from Nelson Street on-slip during this period.

The second weekend road closure will be on the westbound carriageway from 9pm on Friday, August 15, until 6am on Monday, August 18. During this time, the M3 will be closed from Bridge End to M2 Foreshore and there will be no access to the bridge from the A2 Sydenham Bypass with all traffic leaving at Bridge End Flyover. There will also be no access to M3 bridge from Middlepath Street on-slip during this period.

What has the Department for Infrastructure said?

The DfI has urged motorists has advised road users to allow extra time for their journey. A spokesperson said: “While the Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public, delays are inevitable and road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey particularly if travelling to the ports or airports.

“Diversionary routes will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure and road users are requested to abide by the temporary traffic management arrangements which are in place for the safety of the public and road workers.”

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.trafficwatchni.com.

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