M2 to close overnight between Sandyknowes and Templepatrick as resurfacing works finish early

Motorists travelling on the M2 tonight (Friday) are being advised to plan ahead as a section of the motorway will close in both directions after resurfacing work progressed faster than expected.

The overnight closure, between Junction 4 at Sandyknowes and Junction 5 at Templepatrick, will allow contractors to remove the temporary contraflow system and reinstall the central safety barrier before the motorway fully reopens on Saturday morning.

Closure brought forward

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said work on the £1.5 million resurfacing scheme has advanced ahead of schedule, allowing the final phase to be brought forward by two days.

Instead of taking place on Sunday night as originally planned, the motorway will now be completely closed in both directions from 8pm on Friday 24 July until 7am on Saturday 25 July.

A signed diversion will direct traffic via the A6 Antrim Road, A6 Ballyclare Road and A57 Ballyclare Road.

The motorway is expected to reopen fully in both directions from 7am on Saturday.

Final stage of £1.5 million project

The overnight closure marks the final stage of the resurfacing project, with crews removing the temporary traffic management system before reinstalling the central reserve vehicle restraint system.

The Department thanked motorists for their patience while the improvement works were carried out.

For drivers using the route tonight, allowing extra travel time or considering an alternative route may help avoid delays during the overnight closure.

The reopening on Saturday morning means the motorway should return to normal operation for weekend traffic, with the resurfacing scheme completed earlier than originally planned.