Westmeath representatives have welcomed the signing of a contract to build a new bridge in the county.

The proposed bridge is part of the Clonmore Link Road joining Clonmore Business Park to the Lynn Roundabout on the Tullamore Road, Mullingar.

It is the final link necessary to complete the Mullingar Orbital Road which was commenced by Westmeath County Council over twelve years ago.

The contractors Messrs Jons Civil Engineering Company Limited from Naas will be responsible for the final design and construction of the scheme.

Works on the bridge will include approximately 780 metres of two lane carriageway with footpaths and cycle paths on both sides; construction of the structure, including piling works, abutment, pier and superstructure construction; building approach embankments; as well as tie-ins with existing Lynn Roundabout on the old N52 at the southern end and linking Clonmore Business Park at the northern end.

-- Advertisement --

The proposed bridge crosses over the flood plain of the River Brosna and Lacy's Canal.

The ground conditions, which consist of 10 metres of peat over 20 metres of very soft silt, mean that constructing the bridge will be a considerable engineering challenge. Where it crosses Lacy's Canal, allowance will be made for boats to pass underneath by having a 3.1m clearance between bridge and water.

A council spokesman said: "The completion of this scheme will result in the full benefit of all the works already completed constructing the Mullingar Orbital Road, to be fully realised.

"The increased level of access will improve the industrial and commercial potential of Mullingar Town with consequent benefits for the protection and creation of jobs."

(PR/JM)