A two and a half month contract for improvements to footpaths on Garrycastle Bridge is hoped to cause minimal disruption for residents and road users.
Speaking at a recent Athlone Municipal District meeting, Mayor of Athlone, Frankie Keena, said that a lot of people go for walks around AIT and the pinch point is always Garrycastle Bridge. He hopes that the road works, which will start in April, will only be a short-term inconvenience that will allow residents walk in safety once complete.
“I hope the public will be patient. Notification has been sent to schools regarding traffic diversions. It’s a good job that needs to get done,” he added.
Fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Aengus O’Rourke agreed, “This is the missing piece of the jigsaw. We’ll have a more enhanced footpath network and I’m sure locals will welcome this.”
Councillor John Dolan added that he was relieved that the contractor has taken on board potential problems. “But you can’t predict everything,” he noted.
Councillor Tom Farrell suggested that the council place a noticeboard at Nugent’s Supermarket to inform road users of any diversions.
Town engineer Pat Nally explained that traffic lights will be in place during the full road diversion and they will manage traffic at Killyon Hill to make sure it moves smoothly. It is estimated there will be a full road closure around the bridge for some four to six weeks.
