Bridge widening scheme underway in Maghera

Work is underway to widen the Milltown Bridge in Maghera.

The strengthening scheme is costing £250,000 pounds.

The bridge widening will complete a missing footway link between Maghera and Milltown with its associated Gaelic sports facilities.

The project has just been announced by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.

“This current work will involve the construction of new foundations in the river and the placing of precast arch sections, as well as the removal of the existing road surface to permit strengthening work to be carried out on the original part of the structure,” explains the Minister.

He says the new work will allow provision of a footway and replacement parapets will be finished in masonry similar to the existing bridge.

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

The road will be closed for a 12 week period, with diversions via the A29 Tobermore Road and the A6 Glenshane Road. Pedestrians will be accommodated during the works.

Transport NI 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.