A third phase of maintenance on the M3 Lagan Bridge is due to begin on Friday night, bringing three weekends of restrictions to one of Belfast's busiest road links. The programme will replace six bearings beneath the bridge after 18 were renewed during earlier phases.
From 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday, the westbound on-slip from Middlepath Street will be closed. Lanes one and two on the westbound carriageway will also close, leaving one lane available, and drivers will not be able to use the westbound off-slip at Nelson Street.
The second weekend, from August 21 to 24, will move the main restriction to the eastbound on-slip at Nelson Street. The third weekend, from August 28 to 31, will repeat the westbound arrangements affecting Middlepath Street, the two traffic lanes and the Nelson Street off-slip.
Signed diversions will operate while each slip road is closed. Drivers travelling through the city centre or towards the bridge have been advised to allow extra time and follow temporary signs because congestion is likely around alternative routes.
More than 90,000 vehicles use the bridge on a typical day. The Department for Infrastructure said the work has been planned for weekends to reduce the effect on weekday traffic, although the lane restrictions will still substantially reduce capacity while engineers are on site.
The timetable is dependent on suitable weather and may change if the work cannot proceed safely. Road users should check current traffic information before travelling, particularly during the Friday evening and Monday morning changeovers.