£1.5m major resurfacing scheme to commence on M2

Date published: 3 July 2026

The resurfacing work along the north bound carriageway, between Junction 4 Sandyknowes and Junction 5 Templepatrick is scheduled to be completed between 17 July and 27 July 2026.

To ensure the safety of road users and our road workers while the work takes place it will be necessary to implement a series of lane closures, road closures and the operation of a contraflow as follows:

• M2 Motorway lane 2 in both directions will be closed from 11pm on Thursday 16 July until 6am on Friday 17 July to carry out preparation work on the crossover points and central reserve vehicle restraint system.
• M2 Motorway will be totally closed in both directions overnight from 8pm on Friday 17 July 2026 until 7am on Saturday 18 July 2026 between Junction 4 Sandyknowes and Junction 5 Templepatrick. A diversionary route will be signed via A6 Antrim Road – A6 Ballyclare Road – A57 Ballyclare Road.
• M2 motorway north bound will be closed continuously from 6am Saturday 18 July 2026 until 6am on Monday 27 July 2026 between junction 4 Sandyknowes and junction 5 Templepatrick. Motorists travelling north will be directed onto a single lane contraflow which will be in operation on the south bound carriageway. An alternative diversion route will also be signed via A6 Antrim road – A6 Ballyclare Road –A57 Ballyclare Road.
• M2 motorway south bound will be reduced to a single lane from 7am Saturday 18 July 2026 until 8pm on Sunday 26 July 2026 between junction 5 Templepatrick and junction 4 Sandyknowes.
• M2 Motorway will be totally closed in both directions overnight from 8pm on Sunday 26 July 2026 until 6am on Monday 27 July 2026 between Junction 4 Sandyknowes and Junction 5 Templepatrick. A diversionary route will be signed via A6 Antrim Road – A6 Ballyclare Road – A57 Ballyclare Road.

A temporary speed limit of 50 mph speed limit will also be imposed along the stretch.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however some delays can be expected, and 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 27 July 2026 is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatch.