Murphy International Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the construction of the new Saunders Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge in Mullingar, Westmeath County Council has announced.

A sod-turning event was held to mark the commencement of construction on the project following the official signing of contracts.

Mr James Donnelly, Project Director at Murphy International Ltd, stated: "Murphy International is delighted to work with Westmeath County Council and Design ID to deliver this important infrastructure project, which will greatly benefit the Mullingar community."

-- Advertisement --

Meanwhile, Councillor Liam McDaniel, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, welcomed the contract signing, noting that it "demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing Active Travel infrastructure throughout the county."

The bridge will be located adjacent to the existing Saunders Road Bridge on Ardmore Road, and is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority's Active Travel Investment Programme.

The project will play a key role in connecting existing active travel infrastructure along Ardmore Road with planned infrastructure for Dublin Road and Millmount Road.

This infrastructure project will provide a high-quality shared-use active travel facility built to the latest design standards, support sustainable development of Mullingar's south-eastern suburbs by creating an attractive route for active travel users while accommodating all transport modes and significantly improve accessibility to local services and schools for active travel users in the Ardmore/Ballinderry area.