A delegation of politicians and community representatives from the area met with Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy at Stormont on Thursday (Jan 3) morning to discuss the latest bridge closure plans.
While many had hoped that a single-lane traffic flow could be maintained on the route while demolition and motorway widening works are carried out over the next 12 months, it seems the bridge will have to be shut completely from January 21.
A public meeting held in St Enda's GAC in October heard calls from residents, businesspeople and politicians for a temporary bridge to be erected at the site to allow the route to remain open to traffic throughout the year-long works. However, it seems that engineers informed Thursday's meeting that erecting a Bailey bridge at the site isn't possible.
Following serious disruption when the road was closed for several weeks late last year, many fear the long-term closure of the route will have a detrimental impact on residents and businesses in the area.
Concerns have previously been raised with the Department about access for emergency services vehicles, traffic gridlock being caused by diversions at an already busy Sandyknowes junction and the potential drop in trade for many Glengormley businesses.
It is understood that a number of measures will be put in place by the Department in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion and general disruption in the area.
Details of those measures, including plans to maintain pedestrian access over the bridge at all times, are expected to be revealed at a public meeting in the Hightown area next week.
The bridge, which is more than 50 years old, is being replaced for safety reasons.

For more details of the bridge closure plan and all the reaction see next week's Newtownabbey Times.