Bridge Restoration and Repairs

Straduff Bridge Strengthening Works

The bridge at Straduff, near Geevagh was suffering from severe scouring of the abutments and pier to the extent that it was felt that severe rainfall could produce a sufficient river flood to completely undermine the central pier with possible failure of the bridge. Sligo County Council was able to stabilise and underpin the structure and reconstruct the adjacent masonry wingwall supporting county road 613. A new parapet wall was also constructed in a harmonious way blending with the existing structure. This work was capably carried out by the Council’s skilled outdoor staff including Joe Torsney and Hugh Hamilton. The project was funded by a Special Improvement Grant from the Department in 2004.

The Metal Bridge, River Moy

This unique structure within County Sligo spans the River Moy at Sessuegarry, west of Tubbercurry. The superstructure is the only wrought iron riveted lattice girder structure constructed as a road bridge in the county and is listed as a protected structure in the County Development Plan. It was constructed in 1881 and like any metal structure decays over time by rusting.  The paintwork had broken down rendering the coating ineffective in preventing rusting of the structural members. Restoration work therefore essentially consisted of a thorough cleaning and removal of the old paintwork and the repainting of the entire superstructure with high quality special paint. This work was carried out by J. S. McCarthy Ltd, specialist industrial painters, following a tendering process. The minimum three coat specified thickness was 350 microns and the average measured thickness was 425 microns. Other work carried out included the sealing and resurfacing of the bridge deck, reconstructing a pilaster coping and cleaning the masonry pilasters, parapets and abutments. Expenditure on this project amounted to €49,000.

Tunnagh Bridge R293

The old masonry arch supporting the busy R293 from Ballymote to Gurteen was in such a bad condition that the preferred approach of retaining and repairing it was not viable. Under a 2004 Special Improvement Grant the bridge was replaced. The project necessitated closing the busy regional road, implementing a major traffic diversion, diverting the stream and working in poor ground conditions.

The design and solution implemented was chosen to minimise the time period of disruption to road users whilst taking into account the poor ground conditions at the site that were instrumental in the demise of the original structure.  A total of €83,100 was expended.