New bridge over Shannon due to be in place by 2023

Hopes are high that the centre point of Athlone's newest bridge over the Shannon going from Leinster to Connaught will become an “Instagram location” for visitors in a similar way to crossing the Equator line or the border between America and Canada when it's in place in June of 2023.

Construction of the bridge structure crossing the river from beside the Radisson Blu Hotel over to the Luan Gallery is expected to begin in August of 2022, with the necessary abutments (the structure which connects to the ground and supports the bridge span) and ramps on the eastern and western side, along with the central pier, built prior to that.

Tenders are expected to go out for the Athlone Marina to Athlone Castle section of the cycleway project in April of 2021 prior to the planned start of construction in June of that year, the October meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District heard.

Michael Kelly, Senior Executive Engineer with the National Roads Office in Westmeath County Council, who has been driving the cycleway project from the beginning, described this section as a "fairly substantial project" during a presentation to update members on progress, explaining that the bridge design was guided by the strategy that it needed to be safe, functional, useful and long-lasting. In addition, it's intended that the new crossing over the Shannon be visually calm and in harmony with its place by integrating seamlessly into the existing surroundings.

A brass plate feature will be put in the centre of the bridge to mark the crossing from Leinster to Connaught, something he hopes will become an "Instagram location" in much the same way that crossing the Equator line has or other border crossings have in other places. Mr Kelly said he believes this aspect is a "big opportunity" for the area, adding that the bridge will widen out to ten to twelve metres at both sides for ease of movement.

The bust of tenor John McCormack will also be relocated as part of the plans to the entrance of the bridge, while a ventilation structure beside the Luan Gallery will be moved on that side to facilitate the bridge-building and support pier, and the wall moved out slightly as a result.

Work on the current endpoint at Whitegates (Ballymahon Road) to Athlone Marina is also moving closer to progress, Mr Kelly outlined to councillors. Tenders were sought in September, and it's hoped to be on-site by the end of the month, he said.

The route will go along the disused rail line to a newly constructed underpass before connecting with a disused site, and then moving along the perimeter of St Vincent's Care Centre to Abbey Lane and the marina. It's hoped this element will open by Easter next year.

While there was positivity from all members in relation to the bridge designs, there were a number of questions about construction impacts and funding.

Welcoming the new bridge which he described as an "amazing structure" which will be a "strong attraction," Cllr Frankie Keena (FF) queried whether funding is in place to construct this element from Athlone Marina to Athlone Castle.

Mr Kelly said funding is in place for the Whitegates to Athlone Marina section and although not in place yet for the Marina to Athlone Castle section, they are confident it will materialise.

15% of the berths in the marina on the southern side will be lost during construction but will be put back in afterwards, Mr Kelly also clarified in response to a query from Fine Gael's Tom Farrell, while he also admitted there will be an impact to the Luan Gallery for ten weeks which will be managed by the contractor during the move of the ventilation structure.

Athlone's Mayor Cllr Aengus O'Rourke expressed delight that the John McCormack bust would be promoted to a prominent position, however, he emphasised the need for a suite of lighting now for all of Athlone's bridges and prominent buildings, something Mr Kelly said is being looked at in conjunction with Athlone Castle.

The town's first citizen was also told that two to three trees will be lost adjacent to the Luan Gallery following a query on that aspect of the project on Monday. The Radisson Blu Hotel is completely on board with the project, Mr Kelly explained after Cllr John Dolan wondered how cyclists would be able to come off there, and while it's not decided yet, he said it will probably be a rail that can be opened up each day.

Mr Kelly pointed out that the route will be clearly marked with a colour, and he doesn't see any issue with clarity, in response to Green Cllr Louise Heavin who queried how the route would appear at street level. An architect herself, she commended the council on the bridge design, saying that it fits in nicely with what's already there.

The timeline given to councillors would see construction on the Athlone Marina to Athone Castle section start in June next year, with the western abutment and ramp starting in August until February before moving to the eastern equivalent in October until the following April. The central pier would then be put in place from December 2021 to the following May prior to the start of construction on what's described as the “bridge superstructure” in August of 2022.