The M3 Lagan Bridge in Belfast is scheduled to undergo further repairs this weekend, bringing the amount spent on bearing replacements to £1.1m so far.
Four more bearings are being worked on under the bridge this weekend, as they are showing signs of corrosion and movement.
This follows work at the beginning of this month to replace four other bearings, as well as repairs last summer to replace 10 more.
The work in 2024 totalled £700k, and the upcoming replacements this weekend will bring the cost for 2025 to £400k. The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure is also planning further replacement work next year.
The bridge must be jacked up to replace the bearings, with time allocated once this is done to allow the concrete plinths to strengthen before the bridge is reopened to traffic.
This means that the work is unable to take place at night, necessitating the closure of the bridge from 9 pm on Friday 15 August until 6 am on Monday 18 August. However, the department adds that ‘delaying the work now could result in further structural damage and longer closures at a later date’.
The work is being carried out by Highway Management (City) under its current design, build, finance, and operate (DBFO) contract, along with Ekspan, a Sheffield-based mechanical engineering company, which will act as the main contractor.
The Department for Infrastructure has been approached for comment.
Image credit: Maciek Grabowicz / Shutterstock.com
