Moylinn East Footbridge in Craigavon is to be removed over the weekend of Thursday to Monday, March 16-20, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed.
Part of the main Lake Road will also be closed while the work is carried out.
The works will see the existing footbridge removed with an alternative wheeling, walking, cycling link being provided while a permanent solution is developed.
A structural assessment of the footbridge confirmed it is nearing the end of its lifespan and is beyond economic repair.
A DfI spokesperson said: “To ensure the safety of road users during the removal works it will be necessary to operate a 24-hour closure of A3 Lake Road from roundabout 3 to roundabout 1 from 7pm on Thursday, March 16 to 7am on Monday, March 20.
“A diversionary route will be signed via the Drumgor Road, Brownlow Road and Tullgally East Road and vice versa.
“The footway crossing the bridge will also be closed from March 16 until further notice.
“Due to the removal of the footbridge, the bus stops at Moylinn footbridge, for Ulsterbus services 46 and 551, will be suspended. Passengers are advised to allow some extra time for their journey and use the South Lakes bus stop a short 5-10 minute walk away.”
The spokesperson added: “The development of a permanent solution is under way with the timing of construction being subject to budget availability and the completion of statutory processes.
“The department is aware of the bridge’s importance to the local community which forms part of the National Cycling Network and provides an essential link to the nearby leisure centre, Craigavon City Park and the Rushmere Shopping Centre.
“With this in mind the department is taking forward a scheme to provide an alternative wheeling/ walking/cycling link. This scheme recently commenced on site, with the aim of the alternative link being completed before the bridge is removed. The alternative route will be signposted in both directions for the assistance of users.
“The department has liaised with statutory bodies in relation to the planned works and will keep the public informed approaching the date of the planned bridge removal. All works will be carried out in line with current health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.
“We would like to thank the public for their co-operation during the removal works.”
Both Sinn Féin Craigavon representative Jude Mallon and Alliance representative for Craigavon Robbie Alexander have urged the department to make the construction of a replacement bridge a priority, pointing out its importance to people living in the area.
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