IT would cost millions of pounds to replace Roscor Viaduct near Belleek, Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has said.
The bridge which he said is in “poor overall condition” and carries approximately 600 vehicles per day is an important local link across Lough Erne and “needs to be preserved.”
“My officials are seeking to develop a scheme whereby defective areas of concrete can be repaired and the Bailey Bridge can be removed by either replacing the northern span or extending the abutments to the first support. To assist this exercise, consultants have undertaken a detailed bridge inspection to help confirm that an effective and economic repair can be undertaken.
“It is also planned to undertake a geotechnical ground investigation at the northern shore to help determine the most economic means of permanently reinstating the missing span,” he said.
Minister Hazzard told Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton that an assessment of the load carrying capacity of the 90 metre long structure determined that it should be restricted to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.
“Permanent closure of the bridge, whilst an option is not preferred even in light of knowledge that the bridge when refurbished cannot be brought to current full 40 tonne loading capacity.
“Full replacement of the structure would cost several million pounds and it is therefore my Department’s intention to undertake repairs and reinstate the missing span when funding can be made available. Preliminary estimates put the cost of repair work in the region of £1 million.
“Assessment work to establish the preferred engineering solution and associated costs should be complete in 2017 after which the securing of funds to effect repair work will depend on competing priorities on other similar bridge strengthening works,” concluded the Minister.