Cars may be able to travel across the damaged Kilrea Bridge before Christmas, if new plans from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) are successful. The bridge connects County Londonderry and County Antrim and serves as the quickest route for people traveling between Kilrea and Rasharkin, as well as other nearby towns and villages such as Dunloy.
The bridge was closed on 20 September after extensive cracking was discovered in a retaining wall, which the DfI described as creating “an unacceptable risk to public safety.” On Monday, the DfI announced that repair work would begin on 10 November but could take up to 14 weeks—longer than initially expected. However, new plans announced on Friday suggest that cars and other light vehicles might be allowed to use the bridge by early December.
A DfI spokesperson stated that the department and its contractor have been working to find ways to reduce the duration of the bridge’s closure. They explained that the permanent solution involves using specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls beneath the road surface, followed by the installation of tie-bars to connect the retaining walls on either side of the road.
An interim solution would involve the use of temporary tie-bars, which the spokesperson said would “provide temporary restraint to the walls.” The DfI expressed optimism that the use of these temporary measures could allow the road to reopen to cars and light vehicles in early December, provided that weather conditions are favorable.
“The department fully appreciates the impact this closure is having and the understandable frustration of the local community, including businesses in the area,” the spokesperson added. “We are committed to reopening the road as soon as possible while prioritizing public safety.”
The DfI also thanked the public for their patience during the ongoing efforts to deliver a safe and effective solution.
The bridge, originally constructed in 1783, is a listed structure and holds historical significance. Its closure has had a noticeable impact on local businesses in Kilrea, with some describing the situation as particularly challenging.
Impact on Local Businesses
- Economic Strain: Many businesses in the area have reported a decline in trade due to the bridge closure. The reduced foot traffic has affected sales and customer visits.
- Community Frustration: Residents and business owners have expressed frustration over the prolonged closure, feeling that they have been “hung out to dry” without sufficient support or communication from authorities.
- Longer Timeline: The announcement that repairs will take longer than anticipated has further compounded the difficulties faced by the local community.
Historical Significance of the Bridge
- Built in 1783: The Kilrea Bridge has stood for over two centuries and is considered a heritage site.
- Structural Challenges: The age of the bridge has contributed to the complexity of the repairs, requiring careful planning to preserve its historical value while ensuring safety.
Ongoing Efforts
- Temporary Measures: The use of temporary tie-bars is a key part of the current strategy to expedite the reopening of the bridge.
- Weather Considerations: The success of the plan depends on favorable weather conditions, which remain unpredictable.
- Public Communication: The DfI continues to engage with the community to keep them informed about the progress of the repairs and any potential changes.
As the DfI works to balance the need for safety with the urgency of restoring access, the local community remains hopeful that the bridge will be reopened soon, allowing for normalcy to return to the area.