A £700,000 major maintenance scheme to replace 10 bearings on the M3 Lagan Bridge will recommence from 19 to 22 July 2024.

This significant investment will provide long-term benefits by restoring and maintaining the bridge, ensuring it can support current and future traffic levels on this key route.

The work is now scheduled to take place over the next five consecutive weekends; 19 - 22 July 2024; 26 - 29 July 2024; 2 – 5 August 2024; 9 – 12 August 2024; and 16 – 19 August 2024.

To complete the works the following road and lane closures will be in operation over the following weekends:

• From 9.00 pm on Friday 19 July until 6.00 am on Monday 22 July 2024 the M3 Nelson Street On Slip will be closed on the east bound side;

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• From 9.00 pm on Friday 26 July 2024 until 6.00 am on Monday 29 July 2024 the M3 will be closed on the east bound side with no access from the M2;

• From 9.00 pm on Friday 2 August 2024 until 6.00 am on Monday 5 August 2024 the M3 will be closed on the west bound side with access reduced to one lane from the Sydenham bypass and all traffic exiting at Nelson Street;

• From 9.00 pm on Friday 9 August 2024 until 6.00 am on Monday 12 August 2024 the M3 Middlepath Street On Slip and Nelson Street Off Slip will be closed on the west bound side.

• From 9.00 pm on Friday 16 August 2024 until 6.00 am on Monday 19 August 2024 the M3 will be closed on the east bound side with no access from the M2.

During these periods a diversion route will be signed as follows:

• For westbound traffic closures 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.

• For eastbound traffic closures a diversion route will be signed from M2 Foreshore to Sydenham Bypass and will include Duncrue Street, Garmoyle Street, Dock Street, Nelson Street, Great Patrick Street, Waring Street, Albert Square, Queen Elizabeth Bridge and Middlepath Street.

The work is expected to be completed by 19 August 2024.