The M2 is due to close in both directions between junction 4 at Sandyknowes and junction 5 at Templepatrick from 8pm on Friday, July 24, until 7am on Saturday. The overnight restriction will allow a £1.5 million maintenance scheme to complete a further stage ahead of its original programme.
Traffic will be diverted through the A6 and A57 while the motorway section is unavailable. Drivers using the route for Belfast International Airport, the north coast or early ferry connections should allow additional time and follow the signed diversion rather than relying only on a satellite-navigation estimate.
The Department for Infrastructure says progress on site has allowed the closure to be brought into the current phase of work. Resurfacing schemes require traffic-free periods for planing, laying and cooling material, as well as for line marking and safety checks before lanes can reopen.
Access at the two junctions will be controlled throughout the closure. Delays are possible on surrounding local roads, particularly where diversion traffic joins the ordinary Friday-evening flow. Emergency access arrangements remain a matter for the traffic-management team on site.
The reopening time is scheduled for 7am but remains subject to conditions and completion of the work. Motorists travelling near the end of the closure should check Trafficwatch NI for confirmation, as weather or an unforeseen engineering issue can alter a motorway programme at short notice.