Resurfacing works on the Sydenham Bypass are set to resume next week, after works were paused during the festive period in efforts to minimise disruption.
Works were paused after the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said it would be suspending non-essential works on key Belfast routes from November 25, as it had done in previous years.
It followed major traffic disruption and delays to bus services due to heavy congestion across the city centre and main routes in and out of it.
DfI have now confirmed that works on the A2 Sydenham Bypass will resumed from Monday 6 January 2025, but have said that work will be limited to weeknights and weekends to “minimise disruption”.
The Belfast-bound carriageway between Tillysburn and the M3 will be closed on weeknights between 10am and 6pm and over four weekends in the new year.
The first weekend closure is scheduled to take place from 10pm on Friday, January 10 and 6am on Monday January 13.
The department said that all weekend closure dates “will be weather dependent” and that it will keep the public informed once dates are confirmed.
A spokesperson for the department said: “Some weekend and overnight lane closures will also be required on the country bound lanes to ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public while work is undertaken.
“The Department recognises the impact of the initial phase of works and has suitable traffic management and diversions in place which we keep under constant review to address challenges, keep the project on track and minimise disruption to the public.
“The pause in works over Christmas ensured minimum disruption during the busy shopping period.”
The department warned that road users should “ plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys” once the works begin.
Completion is expected by early March 2025, subject to favourable weather conditions.