The development of Cork's newest bridge over the N40 South Ring Road is set to take a step closer to completion.

The brand new structure will be lifted into place overnight tonight, late Thursday 20 April into early Friday 21 April.

When complete, the 63-metre pedestrian/cycle bridge and the adjoining kilometre-long cycle/ pathway will provide connectivity between Grange/Frankfield and the southern suburbs and will support residents, students, and commuters to opt for active travel and thereby reduce traffic congestion.  

While the new route will provide a public amenity for local residents through the wooded area south of the Grange Road, it also allows direct access across the N40 dual carriageway to Tramore Valley Park without the need to travel by car. 

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The main contractor, Jons Civil Engineering Company Limited, began construction of the scheme in July 2022 and works are continuing on the approach ramps/ steps to the bridge and on the four metre wide cycle/ pathway from the Donkey Field in Grange through to the southern approach to the bridge.

The bridge is situated approx. midway between Kinsale Road interchange (junction 6) and the first access ramp to Douglas village (junction 7) along the N40 South Ring Road.

The overall project is expected to be completed this Autumn and at that point, the bridge and pathway will be available for use by the public.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Deirdre Forde said: "It will be fantastic to see Cork's newest bridge in place on Friday morning. It means we are moving a step closer to the completion of a project that will mean people can walk or cycle for leisure, work or to get to school or college from Grange/Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, Douglas and on into the city centre.

"We also need your help in putting forward suggestions for the naming of the new bridge. Suggested names which honour, celebrate, or remember a person, group or events of significance that have helped to shape the City of Cork will be considered."