'Urgent' M3 Lagan bridge closures announced during festive embargo

The Department for Infrastructure has announced details of urgent repair work to replace some damaged joints on the M3 Lagan Bridge from next week.

The works will commence next Tuesday, 26th November and due to their nature, a series of lane closures will be in place overnight.

These closures will be between the hours of 11pm and 6am from Tuesday, 26th November until Sunday, 1st December.

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Lanes 3 and 4 in the west bound direction will be closed for three consecutive nights following which lanes 1 and 2 in the westbound direction will be closed for two consecutive nights.

The eastbound carriageway will remain open throughout this period. The works are taking place despite an embargo on all non-essential roadworks on key arterial routes beginning on Monday, 25th November until 5th January.

A DfI spokesperson said: "Although the scheduling of this works is within the festive embargo period, it is permissible due to the urgent need to repair the joints and to ensure the availability of specialist contractors.

"However every step has been taken to minimise disruption by conducting the work overnight under lane closures and avoiding an overlap with the resurfacing scheme on the Sydenham Bypass.

"Completing the work now will also secure the structural integrity of the bridge and avoid potentially longer closures of the carriageway should it be delayed.

"Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure.

"Completion of the work by 1st December is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

"The Department would like to thank the travelling public advance for their cooperation while these much-needed works are completed," they added.

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatch.

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