Opening of Joe Dolan Bridge in Mullingar

A NEW bridge named after the late singer Joe Dolan has been officially opened in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

The Joe Dolan Bridge on the town’s western relief road is the final section of an orbital route which takes in existing bypasses on the N4 to the north and the N52 to the east of the midlands town.

Built at a cost of €19 million, the bridge spans the flood plains of the Brosna river and Lacy’s Canal, a feeder canal from Lough Ennell which brings water to the Royal Canal.

The bridge was designed with sufficient height to allow for navigation on Lacy’s Canal between Lough Ennel and the Royal.

The new road is a two-lane carriageway with footpaths and cycle lanes on both sides.

It is expected to greatly alleviate congestion in Mullingar town centre by providing an alternative route around the town.

The orbital route is also expected to improve access between industrial estates on the outskirts of the town and the main routes to major cities.

The new road and bridge can be accessed from the south via the new N52 bypass or the R400 old Tullamore Road at Lynn.

It connects with Clonmore Business Park and on to the C-Link to the Midlands Regional Hospital, the N4 to Sligo, the R390 to Athlone and the R392 to Ballymahon.

The orbital route has been planned since the opening of the Mullingar bypass on the N4 Dublin to Derry route which was completed in 1994. Other road schemes involved included:

upgrading of the Castlepollard Road in 1997;

the Grange to Newbrook link which opened in 1999;

the Grange to Castlepollard link which opened in 2006;

the N52 Mullingar bypass which opened in 2006

The main contractor on the Joe Dolan Bridge was Jons Civil Engineering.

Although open to traffic since August 17th, the bridge was officially dedicated yesterday by the cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Michael Dollard, and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.

Mr Dempsey said the bridge was named after “a much-loved local legend” and would “represent a major landmark for the town”.

He said more than €1.5 billion was being spent on the road network in 2010. “This investment represents an average spend of €127 million on our roads network every month this year.

“I believe that this investment demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to developing our roads infrastructure to take full advantage of the upturn in the economy when it comes.”