MOTORISTS WILL face major diversions during the Halloween break this month when Portumna bridge is closed for repairs.
The bridge, which spans the Shannon, serves as a major crossing point in north Tipperary, south Offaly and east Galway.
The 97-year-old bridge on the N65 will close from Friday, October 24th, to Sunday, November 2nd, and alternative routes will be signposted.
The decision to close the bridge was made after Waterways Ireland identified a problem with the opening mechanism on a swivelling portion of the bridge which allows boats to navigate the upper reaches of the Shannon.
The closure will mean people living on the Tipperary side of the Shannon and working in Portumna and vice versa will face a 70-mile round trip via Banagher and Eyrecourt to get to and from work each day.
Those travelling from north Tipperary and south Offaly to Galway city will be forced to take alternative routes via the nearest crossing points, upstream at Banagher or downstream at Ballina/Killaloe.
Suggestions that a ferry be provided for foot passengers have been rejected because of problems in providing a safe harbour.