Step forward for new bridges
THE main contract works on the new €7 million Salmon Weir pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Corrib has started – with the structure expected to be in place by early 2023.
Running parallel to the existing bridge, it will link Newtownsmyth/St Vincent’s Avenue with the Gaol Road beside Galway Cathedral.
Jons Civil Engineering Contractors, headquartered in Duleek, County Meath, are carrying out the works which will involve the off-site construction of the bridge structure over the coming months.
The project – funded evenly by the National Transport Authority and the EU Regional Development Fund – will, according to the City Council, be an iconic focal point for local people, tourists and visitors to the city.
While the new structure is expected to be place across the river by Quarter One, 2002, it is expected to be a couple of months later before it comes into use due to finishing works to be completed on either side of the structure.
Meanwhile, the Part 8 planning process for the new pedestrian crossing on the sea side of the Wolfe Tone Bridge is expected to be in place by the end of the month.
This structure – estimated to cost in the region of €1 million – will complement the existing walkway over the Corrib on the upstream side of Wolfe Tone Bridge.
Work on this project – subject to planning approval – is expected to start this Autumn with an estimated six-months construction timescale.
City Council Senior Engineer, Uinsinn Finn, said that both the Salmon Weir walkway-cycleway bridge and the Wolfe Tone pedestrian structure would be a major boost for connectivity across the city.
“The river is the natural barrier that exists in the city and both of those projects will make it easier and safer to cross the waterway. They are two very exciting projects for the city,” said Uinsinn Finn.