5 May 2000

UPDATE ON £1 MILLION CRAIGAVON BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT

Roads Service, which is an agency within the Department for Regional Development, has given an update on the £1 million refurbishment contract currently underway on Londonderry's Craigavon Bridge.

Speaking about the works David Orr, Roads Service's Divisional Manager, commented that the work was designed to ensure the bridge provides many more years of use for the people of Derry.

David Orr said, "Phase 1, which commenced in October 1999 and is due to be completed in August 2000, concentrates on the refurbishment of the upper deck to provide increased safety and to prolong the service life of the bridge.

"Included in the works are concrete and steelwork repairs, re-waterproofing of the deck to protect the steelwork from corrosion, resurfacing of both carriageway and footways and installation of high containment kerbs and pedestrian handrails."

The works on the Waterside bound lane are due for completion shortly and will be followed by works on the Cityside bound lane. The centre lane works will begin only when the Cityside works are complete and this lane opens for traffic.

Refurbishment of the lower deck and painting of the bridge are planned to follow in Phases II and III.

The Divisional Roads Manager went on to say, "While such works inevitably involve disruption to traffic, Roads Service has made considerable efforts to minimise delays, with critical activities being scheduled during off peak hours, weekends and overnight lane possessions. Work on the bridge has also been stopped at busy traffic periods such as the run-up to Christmas. In addition, prior publicity has been widely given through local and national media and continues to be broadcast on a daily basis with respect to traffic management."

Roads Service apologises for the delays, which are unfortunately an inevitable consequence of the works and would like to thank the public for their continuing cooperation. In the meantime motorists are advised to continue using the lower deck where possible.