Highway Management (City) Ltd, working under their Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract, will be carrying out essential maintenance on the M3 Lagan Bridge in Belfast this weekend, with Ekspan Ltd operating as the main contractor.

From 9pm on Friday, August 15, until 6am on Monday, August 18, the westbound carriageway will be closed between Bridge End and the M2 Foreshore. There will be no access from the A2 Sydenham Bypass, with all traffic leaving at Bridge End Flyover. The Middlepath Street on-slip will also be closed.

This closure is needed to replace four bridge bearings showing corrosion and movement. The work requires jacking up the bridge and allowing time for the new concrete plinths to cure before traffic can return. The scale and nature of the task means it cannot be completed during overnight closures.

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The Department for Infrastructure is advising road users to plan ahead, use alternative routes where possible, and allow extra time for journeys.

Discussing the maintenance, a statement from the Department said: "This is essential safety work which was planned over the summer period when traffic is generally lighter, however inevitably there will be delays and disruption. Delaying the work now could result in further structural damage and longer closures at a later date.

"The Department would ask road users to plan ahead for their journey and seek an alternative route away from the city where possible. If you are travelling to Belfast International Airport or north or west please ask yourself do you need to drive across Belfast or can you take another route such as via the A55 outer Ring.

"If you are travelling into the city to enjoy some shopping or leisure, or if you are attending an event at Custom House Square or Belfast Mela, remember to factor the bridge closure into your travel plans. Allow extra time, look at the alternative routes or consider using public transport if you can."