Sprucefield Bridge 'Ahead Of Schedule'

Good weather has helped deliver better news on the roads this week with a speedy completion of the first part of a major motorway bridge maintenance contract.

Now, work on Phase II at Sprucefield Bridge, Lisburn, is ready to begin on 3 July after Phase I was finished three weeks ahead of schedule.

These works on the country bound side of the M1 motorway are expected to be completed by 21 July 2010 dependent on good weather conditions. This follows the completion of works on the Belfast bound side of the Bridge.

Mark McPeak, Roads Service's Project Manager, said: "Sprucefield Bridge was built in 1966 and requires essential maintenance to ensure it is kept in good condition to continue to cope with today's traffic volumes.

"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 II on the other side of the bridge in the country bound direction."

He continued: "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," he continued.

"Country bound traffic will be restricted to one lane through the road works and one dedicated lane to Sprucefield off-slip for A1 traffic. The works are likely to result in delays during peak periods in this direction, and would ask motorists to be patient as these essential works progress."

Phase II temporary traffic management will involve restrictions country bound only. All Belfast bound temporary traffic management has been removed and there will no longer be a requirement to close Sprucefield on-slip, which will 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.

(NS/BMcC)