NI traffic alerts: Co Down road closed as police attend scene of crash

Weekend closures due to major ongoing works on Belfast M3 Lagan Bridge

A GBP700,000 major maintenance scheme to replace 10 bearings on the M3 Lagan Bridge has three more weekends of work to go, providing weather conditions remain favourable. It is said the significant investment will have long term benefits in restoring and ensuring long-term maintenance of the bridge, enabling it to carry current and future traffic levels along the key route.This weekend, the following closure will be in place:

• From 9pm on Friday 2 August until 6am on Monday 5 August - the M3 will be closed on the west-bound side, with access reduced to one lane from the Sydenham bypass and all traffic exiting at Nelson Street

During periods where closures are in place, a diversion will be signed as follows: For westbound traffic closures:

• A2 Sydenham Bypass to M2 Foreshore and will include Bridge End Flyover, Bridge End, Queen's Bridge, Ann Street, Victoria Street, Dunbar Link, Great Patrick Street and York Street

For eastbound traffic closures:

• M2 Foreshore to Sydenham Bypass and will include Duncrue Street, Garmoyle Street, Dock Street, Nelson Street, Great Patrick Street, Waring Street, Albert Square, Queen Elizabeth Bridge and Middlepath Street

The Department of Infrastructure says it has carefully planned these bridge works and associated traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience to the public.

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 19 August 2024 is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department has says it will keep the public informed of any change.