The Lady Brooke Bridge on the Newbridge Road between Lisnaskea and Derrylin has been closed from the start of this week for two weeks inclusive to accommodate a £500,000 bridge maintenance scheme.

The scheme is planned to be delivered on a phased basis, with phase one involving the replacement of the bridge waterproofing membrane, carriageway resurfacing and drainage improvements.

To facilitate the works on phase one, the B127 Newbridge Road between Lisnaskea and Derrylin was closed on Monday, August 10 from 9.30am and will remain closed for two weeks until 5pm on Monday, August 24.

Noting that there has been some confusion over the road closure, whether it will be open in the evenings, on speaking to the contractors and Department for Infrastructure (DfI), local Sinn Fein Councillor Chris McCaffrey was able to clarify that the bridge will be completely inaccessible over the two weeks.

He stated: “The bridge is completely inaccessible as the surface has been stripped and drainage works are underway. It is closed 24/7, despite some confusion around this.

“Waterproofing work is due to start today therefore at this stage it is unlikely that the bridge will be reopened before August 24.

“I am aware of the disruption these works will cause, particularly with other work ongoing on Ballyconnell Road and in Enniskillen, but they are essential. I will post any updates as they come to me and if there are issues please feel free to contact me,” Councillor McCaffrey added.

During the road closure traffic a two way diversion will operate via A509 Derrylin Road / Wellington Road Enniskillen / A4 Belfast Road. All diversionary routes will be clearly signed and access on the Newbridge Road will be maintained for local residential and business traffic.

A spokesman for the DfI stated: “Lady Brooke Bridge is a reinforced concrete structure and spans a total of 165 metres over a section of upper Lough Erne. In order to extend its life, the existing structure requires essential and extensive concrete and reinforced steel repairs to the bridge deck, columns and piers.”

“Completion of phase one by August 30, 2020 will be dependent on favourable weather conditions however the Department will keep the public informed of any change. All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors,” the Department for Infrastructure spokesman concluded.