Everything you need to know ahead of M3 Lagan Bridge weekend closures for major works

Need to know

Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey, particularly if travelling to ports or airports.

Need to know: M3 Lagan Bridge maintenance to disrupt traffic

• Major maintenance work on the M3 Lagan Bridge will cause significant traffic disruption over three weekends this month.
• The project involves replacing six bridge bearings as part of the third phase of ongoing maintenance work. Previous phases in 2024 and 2025 have already seen 18 bearings replaced on the key Belfast structure.
• The closures will affect various slip roads over three specific weekends: 14-17 August, 21-24 August, and 28-31 August 2026. Both westbound and eastbound carriageways will be impacted at different times.
• Drivers will face extensive diversions through Belfast city centre via routes including Ann Street, Victoria Street, and Great Patrick Street. Those travelling from the Sydenham bypass towards West or North Belfast will be unable to exit until the M2 Junction 1 Fortwilliam Roundabout.
• Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “The M3 bridge is a key structure which carries over 90,000 vehicles and these specialist works are essential to ensure that the structure remains in a sound condition for future use.”
• The works have been scheduled for summer weekends when traffic volumes are typically lower than average. All work remains subject to favourable weather conditions.
• Detailed diversion routes and traffic information are available online at infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and trafficwatchni.com.

READ THE FULL STORY: M3 Lagan Bridge set to close for three weekends to undergo major maintenance works

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