Kilrea Bridge, B64 Bann Road, Kilrea – Closure

The Kilrea Bridge, on the B64 Bann Road, was closed on 20 September in the interest of public safety due to extensive cracking on the retaining wall located at the south-west end of the Bridge (indicated above).

The Department is working at pace to consider a temporary solution which will allow the bridge to be reopened as soon as possible.

Site investigations to support the design have commenced on site, and measures have been taken to expedite the procurement process for a temporary solution with site clearance works due to commence in the coming days.

The Department recognises the importance of Kilrea Bridge to the local community and wider transport network and apologises for any inconvenience.

Repairing the bridge is a top priority, and we are doing everything within our power to accelerate the development and delivery of a solution that will allow the road to reopen as quickly and safely as possible.

Updates will be provided through this page as and when more information becomes available. 

Progress Update – 3 February 2026

The permanent repair works at Kilrea Bridge continue to progress well and remain on schedule for the bridge to fully reopen to all vehicles in the next few weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions. 

While the main structural works to stabilise the wall will be complete at the point of reopening, with width and weight restrictions lifted, the 40mph temporary speed limit will remain in place for several weeks. This is to facilitate the carrying out of a number of non-structural activities - including masonry repairs, minor resurfacing, kerbing and safety barrier installation. During this period, a temporary barrier will remain on the carriageway to protect both the workforce and road users. Current weather conditions are unsuitable for repointing of the southwest wingwall and the contractor will return during the summer months to complete this activity. 

Any traffic management measures required to undertake the previously detailed works will be short duration and undertaken during off peak hours to minimise any further disruption.

Progress Update – 19 January 2026

The permanent repair works are continuing to progress as planned, and we remain optimistic that the road can be fully reopened to all vehicles by mid-February 2026.

Apart from a small number of reported breaches in the initial days of the reopening, the measures implemented to restrict access to cars and light vehicles up to 3 tonnes have proven successful. 

The PSNI and DVA continue to monitor the situation and have carried out spot checks to identify vehicles exceeding the permitted weight. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone found to be contravening these restrictions.

Progress Update – 12 December 2025

The temporary stabilisation works have been installed and the road reopened to cars and light vehicles, up to 3 tonnes, at 8:00 am on Saturday 6 December.

The PSNI will be carrying out spot checks to identify vehicles exceeding the weight limit. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone found contravening the restrictions. If you witness a breach, please report it directly to the PSNI.  Additional signage will be installed to reinforce the message that HGV’s are prohibited from crossing.

The Permanent repair works are continuing to progress as planned and are expected to finish by mid-February 2026. Once complete, the road will fully reopen to all vehicles.

Progress Update - 5 December 2025

The temporary stabilisation works are now well advanced and the road will reopen to cars and light vehicles, up to 3 tonnes, at 8.00 am on Saturday 6 December.  Access over the bridge will be controlled using a 2.5m width restriction at both ends of the bridge to ensure safety through the ongoing site works while permanent repairs continue.

The Permanent repair works are continuing to progress as planned and are expected to finish by mid-February 2026. Once complete, the road will fully reopen to all vehicles.

The bridge remains an active construction site and restrictions are in place for the safety of our workers. Ignoring or breaching these restrictions could lead to suspension of the works and closing to all traffic until the permanent works are complete. 

Progress Update - 21 November 2025

Works on the bridge continue to progress well. Scaffolding has now been erected on the eastern wingwall to enable the installation of both temporary and permanent tie-bars. Trenches have been excavated on the carriageway and the upper temporary tie bars and pattress plates have now been installed.

Works on temporary tie bar installation will continue through next week with core drilling through the lower sections of both east and west wingwalls.

We are on track to allow light vehicles to travel over the road in early December when temporary stabilisation is complete. Work will be continuing on the wall to complete main repairs by mid-February 2026 (14 weeks from 10 November) that will require the road to remain closed to heavy goods vehicles. The Department will continue to keep all road users updated on progress.

The bridge continues to remain closed to pedestrian access for safety reasons. 

Progress Update - 14 November 2025

Works on site commenced Monday 10 November. The main activities carried out this week included site set-up, plant mobilisation, vegetation clearance at the base of the retaining wall, and installation of rock armour and a working platform on the river bank below the retaining wall.

Preparatory works for installing the temporary tie-bars are scheduled to begin next week.

Works are progressing as planned and we remain optimistic that the road can be reopened to cars and light vehicles by early December, subject to suitable weather conditions.

We would like to remind the public that as this is now an active construction site, and for safety reasons, pedestrian access across the bridge is prohibited and parking is now limited around Portneal Lodge to accommodate welfare facilities and site compound, and to maintain safe access/egress to the works area for plant and operatives.

Progress Update - 7 November 2025

Since appointing the specialist contractor last week the Department has been working closely with them to explore every opportunity to reduce the timescale and minimise disruption for these essential safety works.

As previously outlined, the permanent solution requires specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls beneath the existing road surface. Tie-bars will then be installed to structurally connect the retaining walls on either side of the road. This is a complex and time-consuming process with limited scope for acceleration.

However, we are pleased to confirm that an interim solution has now been established to install a number of temporary tie-bars to provide temporary restraint to the walls whilst the main repairs are carried out. We are optimistic that the use of temporary tie-bars will allow the road to reopen to cars and light vehicles in early December, subject to suitable weather conditions.  

Progress Update - 3 November 2025

A specialist contractor has now been appointed and work to repair the damage will commence on Monday 10 November. This will be a 14-week scheme, which is longer than originally anticipated, due to the difficult ground conditions on site.  

The solution requires specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls beneath the existing road surface. Tie-bars will then be inserted into these drilled holes to structurally connect the retaining walls on either side of the road.  The contractor has advised that the presence of large boulders will make it more difficult for the drilling operation. As a result, it will take longer to drill, and the installation of each tie-bar will be more time-consuming.

We are continuing to engage with the contractor to explore options to reduce the timescale.  

Progress Update – 28 October 2025

Following the recently completed Geotechnical Investigations at the bridge, the Department’s contractor was instructed to urgently develop detailed proposals to stabilise the retaining wall. Tenders were received on 24 October and are currently being assessed by officials.  

An update will be provided once the evaluation process is complete, with the intention of commencing works as soon as possible. 

Progress Update - 13 October 2025

Site Investigations to inform the development of a temporary repair solution have now concluded. Quotations are currently being sought from specialist contractors with returns due by 24 October. Works will commence at the earliest feasible date.

Site clearance and general maintenance works were completed last week.

Recent Works to the Kilrea Bridge

• 2024 – Localised repairs carried out to the South West parapet following a vehicle impact. Approx. value £4k.
• 2022 – Span 7 (North Side) Steel Section repainted and Deck Waterproofed. Approx. value £210k.

Queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Consultancy Services at: consultancysecretariat@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk