Motorists have been advised to plan for three weekends of restrictions on the M3 Lagan Bridge as engineers complete the latest phase of a bearing-replacement programme. The first closure is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 14, with further work on the following two weekends.
The Department for Infrastructure says six bridge bearings are due to be replaced. Eighteen have already been changed during earlier phases. Bearings sit between sections of the structure and allow controlled movement caused by traffic, temperature and other loads while transferring weight to the supports below.
The published programme covers the weekends of August 14 to 17, August 21 to 24 and August 28 to 31. Different carriageways and access points will be affected as the operation moves across the bridge, and signed diversions will be in place. Exact arrangements should be checked before each journey.
More than 90,000 vehicles use the bridge on a typical day, making it a central connection between the M2, east Belfast, the ports and the A2 corridor. The department says weekend working has been chosen to reduce weekday disruption, although delays remain likely around the diversion routes.
The programme is weather-dependent because lifting and alignment work must be completed within strict engineering tolerances. Drivers travelling to airports or ferry terminals are being asked to allow additional time and to check Trafficwatch NI for any late alteration before setting out.