A scheme to repair damage to the Kilrea Bridge will commence on Monday, 10 November 2025, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced.

The bridge has been closed since Saturday, 20 September 2025, following an inspection that identified extensive cracking on the retaining wall at the south-west end of the structure.

A specialist contractor has now been appointed to undertake the complex repairs. The scheme is currently anticipated to last for 14 weeks, a duration that is "longer than originally anticipated," according to the Department, due to difficult ground conditions at the site.

The technical solution requires the use of specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls, beneath the existing road surface. Tie-bars will then be inserted into these drilled holes to structurally connect the retaining walls on either side of the road.

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A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure detailed the construction challenges facing the contractor: "The solution requires specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls beneath the existing road surface. Tie-bars will then be inserted into these drilled holes to structurally connect the retaining walls on either side of the road. The contractor has advised that the presence of large boulders will make it more difficult for the drilling operation. As a result, it will take longer to drill, and the installation of each tie-bar will be more time-consuming.

"We are continuing to engage with the contractor to explore options to reduce the timescale. We will keep the local communities up to date on the timeline throughout the works."

The lead-in period before works start on Monday is being used by the contractor to carry out pre-site checks, prepare equipment, and ensure all health and safety procedures are in place and agreed upon with the Department.

The Department acknowledged the significant impact of the closure on the local community: "We fully appreciate the impact of the ongoing closure and the understandable frustration of the local community, including businesses in the area and we thank them for their patience while we work to deliver a safe and effective solution. We want to reassure the public that we are working at speed to strengthen the road and will continue to explore every opportunity to accelerate progress and minimise disruption."