A £1.5 million resurfacing project on the M2 motorway, a heavily used commuter and freight route, is set to begin on Friday 17 July 2026. The scheme targets the northbound carriageway between junction 4 at Sandyknowes and junction 5 at Templepatrick and is scheduled to last until Monday 27 July.

Drivers should expect significant disruption, as a series of lane closures, overnight motorway closures, and a contraflow system will be implemented. The Department for Infrastructure said the works have been scheduled to minimise inconvenience but warned that delays are likely, particularly during peak commuting times.

Preparatory work will start on Thursday 16 July at 11pm, with lane two closed on both the northbound and southbound carriageways until 6am the next day. This enables the installation of safety barriers and crossover points for the contraflow.

The first full closure occurs from 8pm on Friday 17 July to 7am on Saturday 18 July, when the M2 will shut in both directions between the two junctions. A diversion will be in place via the A6 Antrim Road, A6 Ballyclare Road, and A57 Ballyclare Road.

From 6am on Saturday 18 July, the northbound carriageway will close continuously until 6am on Monday 27 July. Northbound traffic will be routed onto a single-lane contraflow on the southbound side. An alternative diversion using the same A6 and A57 roads will also be signed.

Southbound motorists will be reduced to a single lane between Templepatrick and Sandyknowes from 7am on Saturday 18 July until 8pm on Sunday 26 July.

A second full motorway closure in both directions is planned from 8pm on Sunday 26 July to 6am on Monday 27 July, to allow completion of works and removal of traffic management. The same diversion route applies.

A temporary 50mph speed limit will be enforced throughout the works area. The Department advised that the 27 July completion date is subject to favourable weather conditions.