Roads Service announced last week that contractors carrying out the ongoing M2 widening and bridge replacement project plan to shut the bridge to traffic throughout 2008 while the work is completed.
However, local residents, business owners and politicians for the area have slammed the plan as "crazy", and have called for a temporary road bridge to be erected while work is ongoing.
The route was shut to traffic on Sunday as part of an six-week closure while preparation works are carried out prior to the demolition of the bridge early next year. And many local residents are already fed up with the traffic congestion and additional hassle of being diverted via the notoriously busy Sandyknowes roundabout.
Among those expected to attend tomorrow's meeting in St. Enda's GAA Club on the Hightown Road (10.30am) is Mayor Nigel Hamilton.
"The impact of this closure is already being felt in the area as roads leading to Sandyknowes roundabout are jammed with high levels of additional traffic. Many drivers are now avoiding the Glengormley area as they try in vain to make alternative arrangements to make their journeys easier.
"If this is a sign of what lies ahead I can see much misery for drivers and businesses over the next 12 months," he commented.
The Mayor confirmed that he has asked DRD Roads Service officials and representatives of contractors Highway Management Construction to attend the public meeting.
"Our key objective is to ensure that some vehicular access over a temporary bridge is accommodated," he added.
South Antrim MLA David Ford confirmed that he too will attend tomorrow's meeting.
The Alliance leader was left disappointed this week when the issue wasn't prioritised for discussion by politicians at Stormont on Monday. However, he has questioned Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy about the matter, urging him to intervene and ensure a temporary bridge is put in place by the contractors throughout the period of closure.
"We didn't get the debate we wanted, but I have submitted a written question for it and I hope that we'll get the debate when we're back (at Stormont) in a couple of weeks," he confirmed.
The Hightown Road bridge (above), which was constructed in 1957, is to be completely demolished and replaced as part of the M2 widening project. Bridges at Collinbridge Road and Arthur Road will also be replaced as part of the multi-million pound scheme.