Kilkenny County Council’s provided an update on the works at Ferrymountgarret Bridge.
The historic structure which spans the River Barrow and is a key link between the county and Wexford closed to traffic on the 24th of June last following an assessment in 2025 which showed major repairs and conservation works were needed.
Approx €1.5million was set aside for this by the Transport Department with the route remaining off limits until at least 28th August.
A local authority spokesperson’s told KCLR News that “The works included stripping of the paint by shot blasting back to its original steel work base underneath and above, the construction of six stories of scaffolding both over and underneath the bridge, the replacement and/or repair of steelwork and concrete structures, the provision of lighting and ducting for services and the rebuilding and resurfacing of the main road carriageway including new parapets, drainage and kerbing.”
They add “While complex issues have been encountered during the works, the contractor on site, Glas Civil Engineering Ltd and Tetra Tech Engineering Services, working with Kilkenny County Council staff successfully dealt with all challenges arising and the works remain on schedule. It is not accurate to say that the project is behind schedule. As we progress to the reinstatement of the main road carriageway three major steps remain. The dismantling and removal of the large scaffolding structure once the final paintwork is completed to the steel structure, the water proofing of the Bridge deck forming the base of the carriageway and the laying of tarmacadam across the new roadway. The final two elements of the works, water proofing and surfacing will require dry weather at various stages over the next three weeks and minor delays may result.”
In conclusion they say; “This project has been a difficult one and those involved should be congratulated on the delivery of the works to-date, on time and to such a high quality. Kilkenny County Council will provide a weekly update on our website and will issue a press release weekly from todays date to the completion of the works It is important to note that works will continue after August 28th, for approximately 1 month, under traffic management to carry out remaining works outside of the full road closure.”
Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council Mary Mulholland has been outlining why they’ve decided to issue a weekly update on the project and what the latest is for KCLR News’ Edwina Grace;
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