Confirmation that a Co Derry bridge is to partially reopen this weekend after its closure left a community “isolated” has been welcomed.
The historic Kilrea bridge at Bann Road in the town was closed to all traffic in September after cracks were found on one of the 242-year-old structure’s retaining walls.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has now given the green light for the bridge to reopen to cars and light vehicles from 8am on Saturday.
Following the closure in September, locals warned it was causing “serious disruption to families, workers, schools, emergency services, and especially to local businesses who rely on cross-county trade“.
A local campaign group, Build Our Bridge, expressed concern when at the start of November, the DfI warned it could take up to 14 weeks to reopen the bridge, which is the only direct route from the town into Co Antrim.
“Difficult ground conditions” were blamed for the predicted delay, while campaigners said the DfI’s failure to complete a feasibility study in 2022 – when the bridge was previously closed for repairs for five weeks – had caused the “devastating consequences”.
A DfI spokesperson said that from Saturday morning, cars and light vehicles weighing up to three tonnes can cross.
“Access over the bridge will be controlled using a 2.5 metre width restriction at both ends of the bridge to ensure safety through the ongoing site works while permanent repairs continue,” they said.
“The completion of these temporary works means we can restore access for cars and light vehicles ahead of the busy Christmas period. This is an important step in reducing disruption for the local community while ensuring public safety as a top priority. We ask that drivers adhere strictly to the restrictions that are in place."
The bridge is expected to fully reopen by mid-February.
It is understood almost 30 traders in Kilrea have applied for Hardship Rate Relief as a result of the impact of the bridge closure on their business.
North Antrim UUP MLA Jon Burrows said in a social media post the partial reopening was “good news” and he was “delighted” for locals and traders.
East Derry independent MLA Claire Sugden said: “This should ease some of the disruption for people travelling through Kilrea, especially helpful as we move into a busy time of year.”
