20 June 2006

WEIGHT RESTRICTION ON BRIDGE IN NEWTOWNSTEWART

A three tonne weight restriction will be imposed on the Abercorn Bridge in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, from Monday 26th June.

The Bridge is situated on the B46 between the new Bypass and Castle Brae, Newtownstewart.

A recent structural assessment of the existing bridge, which was built in 1932, has indicated that it should not be used by vehicles exceeding this weight and Roads Service therefore has a statutory obligation to apply the appropriate weight restriction.

Drivers of vehicles exceeding three tonnes gross vehicle weight must no longer use this route and should access the town via the two other access points from Newtownstewart Bypass at Moyle Road and Strabane Road. The cattle mart and businesses located along Castle Brae between Abercorn Bridge and the Bypass will remain accessible directly from the Bypass.

Further tests are being carried out on the bridge to clarify the extent of the problem and Roads Service will then be considering improvements to increase the bridge's capacity in the short term. Within the next six months a further options appraisal will also take place so that a decision can be made on the longer term proposals for the bridge.

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