Road users of the Sydenham Bypass in Belfast are being asked by the Department for Infrastructure to plan their journeys carefully following changes to this weekend's diversions.

As work progresses along the citybound carriageway of the Sydenham Bypass, the citybound lanes of the bypass between Tillysburn and the M3 will once again be closed over the weekend from 10pm on Friday 18 October until 6am on Monday 21 October.

However, during these times there will be no access to the M3/Westlink from the Dee Street junction, to allow for the resurfacing of the off slip to Middlepath Street and Bridge End Flyover. 

Therefore anyone travelling from the Bangor direction and choosing to use the diversion through the harbour estate along Airport Road, with the intention of joining the M3 or Westlink, will now be further directed along Sydenham Road towards Station Street/Middlepath Street before joining the M3 or Westlink for their onward journey.

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It should be noted that road users who want to reach the Belfast City Airport via the Airport Road diversion will still be able to turn left at Dee Street onto the country bound section of the bypass.

Despite Dee Street remaining open, the Dee Street bridge is not suitable for heavy goods vehicles.

Instead, these vehicles, which must travel via Airport Road, are being asked to also follow the Sydenham Road diversion or find an alternative route.

The Department has placed enhanced signage on the approach from Airport Road ahead of this weekend to highlight to road users of the need to use Sydenham Road.

Staff will also be monitoring the situation and will make adjustments to timings of the signalised junctions at Station Street and Middlepath Street, if required, to maximise capacity throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Further closures relating to the resurfacing of the A2 Sydenham Bypass through Dee Street junction, and for the upgrading of the traffic signal, will be necessary in the future, however, the Department will keep the public informed in advance.

Temporary traffic management arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of road users and road workers.

The Department thanks the public for their continued patience and reminds to allow for extra time throughout your journey, particularly if travelling to Belfast City Airport.

For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.trafficwatchni.com/twni/