Watch: Amazing transformation of Kilkenny bridge underway
A major project to ensure a bridge in south Kilkenny will be safe for many more years has gotten underway.
The Ferrymountgarret Bridge linking South Kilkenny with County Wexford was constructed in it’s current form in the 1930s and is in need of repairs and strengthening works that are essential to maintain the bridge’s load-carrying capacity, to prevent the need for restrictive measures in the short term and to ensure that the bridge remains a safe and reliable crossing for all users well into the future.
As part of that work the bridge has been completely closed to traffic and will be full enclosed to prevent any pollution of the surrounding countryside and protect local wildlife and residents.
As can be seen in the video below, posted to social media by local company KnockatoreDecorativeStone, a lot of progress on the bridge enclosure has already been made!
The Ferrymountgarrett Bridge is a six-span structure carrying the R700, linking counties Wexford and Kilkenny, across the River Barrow. The current structure, constructed in 1930, is included on the national Inventory of Architectural Heritage & Record of Protected Structures and is a landmark feature in the area.
Increased traffic volumes and sizes over the past 10 to 15 years, since previous strengthening works were carried out, have resulted in the accelerated deterioration of the predominantly reinforced concrete structure.