The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced that a £700,000 major maintenance scheme on the M3 Lagan Bridge is set to begin.

The works which will commence on 24 May will include the replacement of 10 bridge bearings along the M3 Lagan Bridge which will ensure that the structure remains in a sound condition to manage traffic levels along this key route.

The first weekend road closure will be on the westbound carriageway from 9pm on 24 May 2024 until 6am on 27 May 2024 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.

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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."

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 2024; 26 - 29 July 2024; 2 – 5 August 2024; 9 – 12 August 2024; and 16 – 19 August 2024.