Essential maintenance works to close M3 Lagan Bridge in August

A major £400,000 maintenance scheme on the M3 Lagan Bridge in Belfast is set to recommence this week, with two full weekend closures planned in August 2025.

The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that a further eight bridge bearings are due to be replaced as part of ongoing structural improvements to the vital transport link, which carries over 90,000 vehicles daily.

The works follow the successful replacement of ten bearings last summer and will be carried out over two consecutive weekends to minimise disruption.

The first road closure will affect the eastbound carriageway, beginning at 9pm on Friday 1 August and continuing until 6am on Monday 4 August. During this period:

• The M3 will be closed from the M2 Foreshore to Dee Street.

• No access to the M3 bridge from the M2, with all traffic diverted via Nelson Street Off Slip.

• The Nelson Street On Slip will also be closed.

The second closure will affect the westbound carriageway, running from 9pm on Friday 15 August until 6am on Monday 18 August. During this closure:

• The M3 will be closed from Bridge End to M2 Foreshore.

• No access to the bridge from the A2 Sydenham Bypass, with traffic diverted via the Bridge End Flyover.

• The Middlepath Street On Slip will be closed.

Infrastructure Minister Kimmins stressed the importance of the scheme, saying:

“The M3 bridge is a key structure which carries over 90,000 vehicles and these improvement works are essential to ensure that the structure remains in a sound condition to manage current and future traffic levels along this key route.

“These are specialist works which I recognise may cause some disruption to traffic, however this short term inconvenience will help ensure the safety of the travelling public and avoid more disruptive works to the bridge in the long term.

“I would like to thank the travelling public for their patience and cooperation while these important bridge maintenance works are completed.”

The Department has said that while the works and associated traffic management have been carefully planned to reduce disruption, delays are inevitable, especially for those travelling to ports or airports. Road users are advised to allow extra time for journeys and to follow signed diversion routes during the closures.

The entire scheme remains subject to favourable weather conditions.