Kinallen Bridge just north of Dromore is closed for assessment due to structural defects
Due to concerns regarding the condition of Kinallen Bridge, which carries the C0309 Skeagh Road north west of the village of Kinallen, County Down, the road has been closed in both directions.
A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure said: “Following reports of damage, engineers attended the site and identified a partial collapse affecting the bridge structure.
“In the interests of public safety, the Department has taken the decision to close the road at this location to allow the bridge to be fully assessed and to determine the most appropriate course of action.
“The Department acknowledges that this closure will cause local disruption and delays and apologises for any inconvenience caused. However, the safety of all road users remains the Department’s primary concern.
“Engineers are currently undertaking detailed structural assessments to establish the extent of the damage and to inform the development of suitable repair options.
“Once these assessments are complete, the Department will be in a position to provide further information on the proposed works and associated timescales.
“Local diversions are in place via the Diamond Road and Banbridge Road, and the travelling public is urged to follow the signage, drive with due care and attention, and allow extra time for their journeys.”
Alderman Paul Rankin said on a Facebook post that: “My colleague Cllr Tim McClelland and I were on site over the weekend along the Skeagh Road heading towards Kinallen.
“The stone bridge is in need of urgent repairs. We had been contacted by concerned residents… Tim and I will be pressing the DfI to schedule the necessary repair works asap.
“We don’t want to take months for reair works to be carried out by DfI.”
