Kilkenny traffic alert - Major road detour planned during bridge works

A historic Kilkenny bridge that is one of only six of its kind in Ireland, is set for a major overhaul.

The planned works aim to keep open an important river crossing that has been used to link counties Kilkenny and Wexford for almost 400 years - and prolong the life of the heritage structure.

Ferrymountgarret Bridge links Kilkenny with Wexford, the R700 near The Rower on the Kilkenny side with the outskirts of New Ross, the R741 junction, on the other side.

With the current structure now almost 100 years old, extensive work will have to be carried out on the structure in the coming months.

The multi-million euro project is now getting underway, under the guidance of RPS Consulting Engineers for Kilkenny County Council.

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In the coming weeks the works will necessitate the closure of the bridge and traffic diversions.

A presentation on the plans was given to Callan Thomastown district councillors at their June meeting, as the bridge is on the border of the district.

Michael Meehan, a senior association with RPS Consultants, set out the background to the project as well as its aims and a projected timeline.

1794 Bridge
The current Ferrymountgarret Bridge was constructed in 1930 to replace a previous timber bridge that dated from 1794. Before the bridge, that point of the river had a ferry crossing, so it has been used as a transport link between the counties for hundreds of years.

While the most visible part of the bridge is the metal superstructure, it is predominantly built from reinforced concrete.
The bridge used to open, to allow river vessels to pass through, up until the 1970s when it was struck by a barge. It has not opened since.

The steel rolling bascule bridge (another name for a drawbridge or lifting bridge) is one of only six in Ireland of this design.
An important heritage structure, the current bridge is on the National Inventory of Archaeological Heritage and the Record of Protected Structures. Because of this there will be constraints on what works can be carried out on the bridge.

Now, the bridge is starting to show signs of age, Mr Meehan told councillors, including structural defects caused by its harsh, marine environment.

Challenges for motorists on the always-busy route include safety issues at the junction on the Wexford side and the very narrow carriageway, which necessitates vehicles having to yield to HGVs on the bridge.
It was described as not having two full lanes.

Mr Meehan said the aims of the project will include timely addressing of key points of structural damage and deterioration, so as to avoid future capacity issues and traffic restrictions on the bridge.
These works will also ‘maximise the remaining service life of the bridge’, he added.

Aims of the project will also include preserving the important heritage of the bridge while protecting the local environment and ecology.
Improving road safety in the area is key, while also minimising any disruption to traffic in the area during the project period.

The project is at a very early stage, with preliminary design underway.
First proposals include extensive concrete repair and strengthening as well as steelwork repair, strengthening and repainting.

To do this work, over the river, engineers will need to construct temporary platforms alongside the bridge and manage traffic.
Also proposed is renewal of the junction, resurfacing of the bridge and approach roads, the installation of public lighting and management of utilities. Click NEXT to continue reading about the plans for road closures.