Belfast M3 Lagan Bridge to close for repairs as motorists warned about traffic

Motorists have been warned to expect delays and disruption in Belfast this weekend due to repairs on one of the city’s busiest roads.

The M3 Lagan Bridge will be closed all day on Saturday and Sunday to traffic coming from east Belfast.

There were long tailbacks in the city two weeks ago when the bridge was closed in the opposite direction.

Delays and disruption are “inevitable” this weekend, according to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The 30-year-old bridge carries, on average, 90,000 vehicles a day.

A DfI spokesperson said: “If you are travelling to Belfast International Airport or north or west please ask yourself do you need to drive across Belfast, or can you take another route such as via the A55 outer ring.

“If you are travelling into the city to enjoy some shopping or leisure, or if you are attending an event at Custom House Square or Belfast Mela, remember to factor the bridge closure into your travel plans.

“Allow extra time, look at the alternative routes or consider using public transport if you can.”

The M3 is used by drivers to by-pass the city centre. It connects the Sydenham Bypass in east Belfast to the M2 in north Belfast.

Traffic from east Belfast will not be allowed to cross the M3 from 21:00 GMT on Friday until 06:00 GMT on Monday.

The road will be closed from Bridge End to the M2 Foreshore.

The closure is to allow essential repairs to bearings under the bridge which are showing signs of corrosion and movement.

The DfI spokesperson explained: “For safety reasons, the work cannot just be undertaken overnight as the bridge has to be jacked up to replace the bearings and time is required to allow the concrete plinths to strengthen before traffic can be allowed to travel over it again.

“Delaying the work now could result in further structural damage and longer closures at a later date.”

This weekend’s repairs are part of a £400,000 maintenance scheme.

Earlier this year, a £3.8m resurfacing project at the Sydenham Bypass was completed after six months of work.

The DfI has thanked the travelling public for their patience while the improvement schemes take place.

Organisers of a 10km race in Carrickfergus on Sunday have warned runners to leave extra time for their journey if travelling through Belfast.