Details of major road works on key Belfast route throughout the summer

Motorists have been warned of road and lane closures scheduled throughout the summer due to essential maintenance works on the M3 Lagan Bridge in Belfast.

The £700,000 major maintenance scheme is due to commence on Friday May 24.

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.

READ MORE: How to get to and from Belfast after closure of city centre train station

READ MORE: DfI agree to traffic control measures at busy junction after series of crashes

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

Infrastructure 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 19th - 22nd July; 26th - 29th July; 2nd – 5th August; 9th – 12th August and 16th – 19th August.

The Department for Infrastructure says it will issue further advice to road users on these plans closer to the time.

A DfI spokesperson added: "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: www.trafficwatchni.com.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.