Essential Maintenance Works to commence on M3 Lagan Bridge, Belfast

A £700,000 major maintenance scheme on the M3 Lagan Bridge is to commence on 24 May 2024 with road and lane closures scheduled throughout the summer.

The improvement work involves 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 Friday 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.

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.”

Subject to favourable weather conditions further 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. The Department will issue further advice to road users on these plans closer to the time.

The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative route which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure.

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni

Notes to editors: 

1. It is planned to replace more bearings in summer 2025 and 2026.
2. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
3. The Executive Information Service operates and out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800 hours and 0800 hours Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.  
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn.

Share this page