Essential Works to commence on M1 River Lagan Moira Bridge

Date published: 18 March 2025

Due to the nature of the work it will be necessary to implement a series of road, lane and hard shoulder closures which have been scheduled in two phases.

The first phase of work will be from 23 March 2025 until 21 April 2025, on the west-bound carriageway.  The second phase will be from 18 May 2025 until 23 June 2025 on the east-bound carriageway.

Phase 1 of the works will be completed under the following traffic management arrangements:

• A full overnight closure will be in place from 11 pm on Sunday 23 March 2025 until 6am on Monday 24 March 2025 on the west-bound carriageway of the M1, between Saintfield Roundabout and the Moira Road Roundabout.  This is to allow a temporary barrier to be installed.  During this closure a signed diversion route will be in operation.
• From Monday 24 March until Friday 18 April 2025 lane 1 of the west-bound carriageway of the M1 will be closed in the vicinity of the works each night during the hours of 9pm and 6am (Monday to Friday only) to allow the old parapet to be removed and a new parapet to be installed safely.
• A full overnight closure will be required on the west-bound carriageway of the M1, from 11 pm on Sunday 20 April 2025 until 6 am on Monday 21 April 2025 to allow the temporary barrier to be removed. 

Phase 2 of the works will commence on Sunday 18 May and will be completed under the following traffic management arrangements:

• A full overnight closure will be in place from 11 pm on Sunday 18 May 2025 until 6 am on Monday 19 May 2025 on the east-bound M1 carriageway, to allow a temporary barrier to be installed. 
• From Monday 18 May until Friday 20 June 2025 lane 1 of the east-bound carriageway of the M1 will be closed in the vicinity of the works each night during the hours of 9pm and 6am (Monday to Friday only) to allow the old parapet to be removed and a new parapet to be installed safely.
• A full overnight closure will be required on the east-bound carriageway of the M1 from 11pm on Sunday 22 June 2025 until 6 am on Monday 23 June 2025 to allow the temporary barrier to be re moved.  

Minister Kimmins said: 

“These are essential safety works which involve replacing and upgrading both parapets on the River Lagan Moira Bridge, which carries the M1 over the River Lagan.  I would like to thank the travelling public for their patience while the works take place and I would urge anyone travelling in the area to plan their journey carefully, to slow down when driving in the vicinity of the work and abide by the temporary traffic signs which are in place for your safety and the safety of our road workers.”   

During all the bridge works the hard shoulder on either the east-bound or west-bound carriageways will be closed in the vicinity of the works, a temporary 50mph speed limit will be in operation and a recovery vehicle will be available on the M1.

The Department has carefully planned these road works to take place overnight and associated traffic management arrangements to minimise the inconvenience to the public.  During periods of closure please follow the alternative route which will be clearly signed on the approaches to each full closure.

Completion of the work by 23 June 2025 is dependent on favourable weather conditions. 

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni