Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Construction Work Begins On Ennis Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

Construction work has commenced on the provision of a new Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge over the Railway adjacent to Quin Road Railway Bridge in Ennis.

A contract has been awarded to L & M Keating Ltd., Building & Civil Engineering Contractors from Kilmihil, Co. Clare.

The €400,000 project consists of the construction of the new bridge over the Ennis to Athenry Railway Line adjacent to the existing masonry arch bridge on the Quin Road, located immediately to the north of Ennis Railway Station.  It includes four ramps at each end and connection to the existing public footpaths, while public lighting facilities will also be provided along the entire length of the new structure. It is expected that the works will be completed by late May 2013.

The commencement of work on the bridge has been welcomed by the Mayors of Ennis and Clare.

Speaking after a visit to the site of the new bridge, Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Peter Considine stated: “This bridge will be of very significant benefit to the substantially increased residential population in the area and to the many retail and other business outlets which have developed in the vicinity of the Quin Road over the past 15 to 20 years. Completion of the project will significantly improve access for pedestrians and cyclists in a safe manner at this very busy location.”

Mayor of Clare Cllr. Pat Daly complimented Clare Local Authorities for their efforts in bringing the long sought after project to fruition.

“The project represents a major investment by the Council at a time when finances are constrained. It represents a further development of smarter travel initiatives throughout the town, which include the provision of street lighting on the link road from Clareabbey Roundabout to the Lahinch Road and the extension of our network of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes throughout the County,” added Mayor Daly.

According to Tom Tiernan, Senior Engineer: “The existing Quin Road Bridge has no designated pedestrian or cycle facilities and therefore, the new bridge will alleviate this difficulty which has been a considerable source of some concern over the past number of years. The project has been made possible by the support and co-operation of Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission.”