River restrictions ahead in Athlone due to cycleway bridge construction

Navigation on the River Shannon in Athlone will be restricted from next week until the end of September due to the construction of the town's new pedestrian and cycleway bridge, Waterways Ireland has said.

The 'skeleton' of the multi-million euro bridge is to be lifted into place in three sections, starting at the end of this month.

Waterways Ireland recently issued a marine notice to advise boat users of the upcoming cycleway bridge works.

It said that on Tuesday, August 30, and Wednesday, August 31, the first section of bridge is to be be floated downstream from Wansboro Field on an 18 metre x 18 metre pontoon, which will be manoeuvred by two tugs.

Two safety boats will also be on the river during the bridge-moving operation.

Waterways Ireland said that, in preparation for this, the three up-stream sections of the new Waterways Ireland jetty at the Railway Bridge would be removed from Thursday next, August 25.

All power and water to the remaining sections of the jetty will be disconnected, for safety reasons, from August 25, while the red navigation markers at the railway bridge will also be removed.

No vessels will be allowed to moor on the Waterways Ireland jetty at the Railway Bridge from 8pm on Monday, August 29, until 8pm on Wednesday, August 31.

It was also stated that the navigation channel in the vicinity of the bridge works would continue to be restricted until the end of September.

"Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the works and to follow the instructions of safety craft and personnel in the area. Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their cooperation," said the notice.

Easter of next year, which falls in early April, is the projected opening date for the pedestrian and cycle bridge.

The steel structure of the bridge was manufactured in Seville, by a company called Tecade, and was transported to Ireland in 13 parts earlier this summer.