Work on Saunders Bridge unlikely before autumn 2024

Disappointment that work on Saunders Bridge remains some distance in the future was expressed by Cllr Andrew Duncan at the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad November meeting.

The executive team revealed that they anticipate, subject to funding and all approvals being in place, that construction will commence in Q3 2024 and the construction timeframe is in the region of nine months.

“I recently sold a development there and had reason to be at that location a lot, and you’re looking at people pushing prams blindly over that bridge: it really is something that needs to be dealt with,” Cllr Duncan said.

He had formally asked that the executive outline to the members when work on the bridge is expected to begin.

The response from the executive stated that the detailed design approval for the bridge was received from Irish Rail last month and has now been forwarded to the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) for their approval.

“The council have been informed that they can expect a decision from the CRR in Q1 2024. Once its approval has been received, the council will be seeking the NTA’s approval to advertise the tender for the construction of the bridge,” the reply continued, going on to state that it is anticipated that construction will commence in the third quarter of next year.

Cllr Duncan asked if a one-way system will be put in place back as far as the Dublin Road while the works are taking place. Director of services, Deirdre O’Reilly, stated that the district will obtain the traffic management plans for Cllr Duncan.