Motorists heading towards Belfast City Airport or Belfast Port are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys this August, as significant maintenance work leads to major weekend closures on the M3 Lagan Bridge, one of the city’s key transport arteries.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed that the eastbound carriageway of the M3 Lagan Bridge will be closed from 9pm on Friday, August 1, until 6am on Monday, August 4, 2025. This closure affects the stretch from the Nelson Street on-slip to Dee Street, meaning no access to the bridge from the M2 or Nelson Street on-slip during this period. All eastbound traffic will be diverted off at the Nelson Street off-slip, with a clearly signed alternative route guiding drivers via Nelson Street, A2 Great Patrick Street, A2 Dunbar Link, Waring Street, Donegall Quay, Middlepath Street, and back onto the A2 eastbound Middlepath Street on-slip.
Then, a second weekend closure is scheduled from 9pm on Friday, August 15, through to 6am on Monday, August 18, 2025. This time, the westbound carriageway will be shut between Bridge End and the M2 Foreshore. Access to the bridge from the A2 Sydenham Bypass will be closed, and all westbound traffic will be diverted off at Bridge End Flyover, with no access from Middlepath Street on-slip during the closure.
This £400,000 maintenance scheme is part of a broader effort to replace bridge bearings crucial to the structural integrity of the M3 Lagan Bridge. Last summer, ten bearings were replaced, and this year, a further eight are scheduled for replacement over these two weekends. The works are described as specialist and essential to ensure the bridge remains safe and capable of handling current and future traffic volumes.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins highlighted the importance of the M3 bridge, noting it carries over 90,000 vehicles daily. She said, “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.” Acknowledging the inconvenience the closures might cause, Kimmins added, “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.” She also thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the maintenance.
The DfI has stressed that despite careful planning to minimize disruption, delays are inevitable. They have urged drivers, especially those travelling to the ports or airports, to allow extra time for their journeys and to follow the signed diversion routes and temporary traffic management measures for everyone’s safety.
For motorists unfamiliar with the area, the eastbound diversion during the first closure requires leaving the M3 at Nelson Street off-slip, then proceeding along Nelson Street, continuing onto A2 Great Patrick Street, followed by A2 Dunbar Link, Waring Street, Donegall Quay, Middlepath Street, and rejoining the A2 eastbound at Middlepath Street on-slip. This detour is expected to add time to journeys, particularly during peak travel periods.
Similarly, the westbound closure in mid-August will force drivers to exit at Bridge End Flyover and navigate alternative routes due to the closure of the M3 from Bridge End to M2 Foreshore. Access from Middlepath Street on-slip will also be unavailable during this time.
The M3 Lagan Bridge is a vital link in Belfast’s road network, connecting the city center with the M2 motorway and facilitating access to critical transport hubs like Belfast City Airport and Belfast Port. The bridge’s maintenance is crucial to prevent future, more severe disruptions that could result from deferred repairs.
The maintenance comes at a time when many holidaymakers are preparing to travel, and the warning to allow extra time is particularly pertinent. With the eastbound closure coinciding with the start of August, a traditionally busy travel period, officials are keen to mitigate frustration and congestion by advising early planning.
Local commuters and drivers have expressed mixed feelings about the closures. Some understand the necessity of the works to ensure safety and long-term reliability, while others are concerned about the inevitable delays and the impact on daily schedules. The Department for Infrastructure’s transparent communication and clearly marked diversion routes aim to ease the transition during these maintenance weekends.
In addition to the bridge bearing replacements, the Department for Infrastructure continues to monitor traffic flow and will adjust signage and traffic management as needed to optimize safety and minimize delays.
For real-time updates and further information on traffic conditions and diversion routes during the maintenance period, motorists are encouraged to visit the official traffic information website at www.trafficwatchni.com.
As Belfast prepares for these essential yet disruptive works, the message is clear: plan ahead, expect delays, and stay safe. The temporary inconvenience is a small price to pay for the long-term safety and functionality of one of the city’s busiest transport routes.
