Bridge work set to finish a month early

And the good news for motorists is the works on the country bound side of the M1 motorway are expected to be completed by July 21, dependant on good weather conditions, over a month ahead of the original date.

Roads Service's Project Manager Mark McPeak said: "The contractor has made good progress on the scheme which was helped by the favourable weather in completing the bridge repairs. It is now necessary to carry out similar work during Phase 2 on the other side of the bridge in the country bound direction.

"The works operations and revised traffic management arrangements have again been carefully programmed to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public, local residents and businesses. Despite carrying out the scheme during the July holiday period, disruption will be unavoidable."

Country bound traffic will be restricted to one lane through the road works and one dedicated lane to the Sprucefield off-slip for A1 traffic.

"The works are likely to result in delays during peak periods in this direction, and I would ask motorists to be patient as these essential works progress" Mr McPeak said.

The Phase 2 temporary traffic management will only involve restrictions for country bound traffic. All Belfast bound temporary traffic management has been removed and the Sprucefield on-slip has fully re-opened, which is expected to help avoid traffic disruption during the morning peak times.

During the works, A1 bound traffic will be required to use Lane 1 and exit the M1 at Junction 7, Sprucefield. All traffic travelling country bound on the M1 will be required to use Lane 2 only. A temporary speed limit will also be in place.

Mr McPeak said the work was necessary because Sprucefield Bridge was built in 1966 and requires essential maintenance to ensure it is able to cope with today's traffic volumes.