'It’s going to hugely impact people' - Kilkenny bridge to close for two months
Kilkenny County Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.
The R700 Ferrymountgarrett Bridge will be closed 24 hours each day from 8am on Wednesday, June 24 to 6am Friday, August 28 inclusive to facilitate essential bridge rehabilitation works.
Major structural defects were identified at Ferrymountgarrett Bridge in South Kilkenny earlier this year with the scheduled works expected to make it safe for the volume of heavy vehicles that currently cross the heritage structure.
The bridge, which was constructed in 1930, is a protected structure with a reinforced concrete construction and steel rolling span.
The overall cost of the project is an estimated €1.4 million with an approximate 70 year lifespan.
At a previous sitting of Kilkenny County Council, officials said the structure is suffering from “age and marine related defects and deterioration”.
At May’s Plenary Meeting of the local authority, a number of South Kilkenny based councillors raised concerns over access to the nearby New Ross for locals.
“It’s going to hugely impact people in the Rower,” Cllr Michael Doyle commented, arguing pedestrian access is needed in certain circumstances.
“For those in the Rower, it’s (the alternative routes) is a long, long way around,” he added.
Cllr Deirdre Cullen welcomed the works but requested adequate signage be erected.
“If it’s not done now, it (the bridge) won’t be there in a 100 years.”
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In a message to the public, Kilkenny County Council thanked people for their co-operation and has apologised for any inconvenience caused.