Hazzard announces start of bridge strengthening works in Enniskillen

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced the start of a £300,000 bridge strengthening works at the Johnston Bridge south in Enniskillen.

Necessary works to repair and strengthen Johnston Bridge south will begin on Monday 18 July 2016.   

The Minister said:

“The work at the south bridge will be similar to work carried out at the north bridge in 2015. The work will entail the removal of the entire bridge surfacing on the bridge down to deck level, temporary relocation of existing services to expose the concrete deck surface, application of a new waterproofing layer and relaying of kerbs and new surfacing.

“Below deck level, some reinforced concrete repairs to the underside of the structure are required. The footway on the eastern side of the bridge will be widened to facilitate a cycle path.”

“The scheme will benefit many people in the area, as the A32 Cornagrade Road, Enniskillen is one of the main roads leading into the island town,” said Chris Hazzard.

The bridge no longer meets present day loading requirements and the structural repairs are needed to avoid the introduction of a weight restriction.

To facilitate this work a lane closure will be required 24 hours a day. The lane closure will continue for four weeks (subject to weather) with the road reopening to two way traffic in August 2016.

Northbound (out of town) traffic on Cornagrade Road will be unaffected as it is intended to keep this lane open to traffic at all times and pedestrian access will be maintained over the bridge throughout the project.

South or West bound through traffic will be diverted at A32 Cherrymount Roundabout, via A32 Irvinestown Road, A32 Forthill Street, Gaol Square, A4 Friths Pass and A4 Wellington Road.

Cornagrade Road itself will be open to local traffic in both directions at all times between Cherrymount Roundabout and the Northern end of the Johnstons Bridges.

The work will be carried out by McCallan Brothers, on behalf of TransportNI.

TransportNI apologises for any disruption to businesses and residents in the area and asks for their cooperation while this very necessary work is underway.  Motorists and pedestrians are asked to approach the works with care and to abide by the diversion route as signed.  Every effort will be made to expedite the works.

Notes to editors: 

All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440.

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