No access for cars, bikes or pedestrians during Obelisk work

There will be no local access when the Obelisk Bridge is undergoing vital improvements, meaning commuters and residents will have to follow diversions to cross the river.

he issue was raised at the recent March meeting of local county councillors.

Cllr Kevin Callan raised the possibility of some sort of a bailey bridge, providing temporary access for even pedestrians and cyclists from Townley Hall to Oldbridge, while the main bridge is being repaired, however was told this would not be financially possible.

“Because the Obelisk Bridge is in such dire condition -and there is a five tonne weight restriction which people aren’t observing either – and the bridge will be almost totally dismantled, along with the bridge deck, so there will be no way of it being used as access for anyone,” said an official. “There is no possibility of keeping it open, plus because of where it is, the cost of putting in a bailey bridge or similar would be substantial, and would probably need planning.”

He said the council will be liaising with Oldbridge in terms of access to the facility.

“I accept the suggestion for keeping a lane open for walkers or cyclists, however, with the deck completely gone, that simply won’t be possible,” added Senior Executive Paddy Donnelly. “We recognise it is going to be a challenge, and there will be a strain on those using it to cross the town, commuting, but it is necessary to carry out works on the bridge.”

€1m of state funding was allocated for the essential improvement works, but there is no timeline as yet to when that will commence.