Daingean to Croghan Road reopens after bridge collapse

The Daingean to Croghan Road (L-1017-2) reopened on Wednesday evening, two days ahead of schedule, following the collapse of a bridge at Aghamore almost three weeks ago.

Emergency road closures and detours had to be put in place following the partial collapse of sections and keystones from the stone arch bridge at Aghamore on Thursday July 5 last.

Disruption to water services occurred in the area while works were ongoing.

An initial assessment by the roads section of Edenderry Municipal District was carried out following the collapse of the stone-arch bridge which is estimated to be in excess of 150 years old 

The Area Engineer determined that the remaining structure was in danger of imminent collapse due to increased axle loads from heavy goods vehicles, increasingly-common severe flooding events and general fatigue and wear through aging.

"It resulted in this structure reaching the end of its serviceable life," said Offaly County Council.

Plans were finalised for a bridge replacement to commence and the road was closed until further notice to facilitate these works, with traffic diversions in place.

Bridge reconstruction works allowed for parapet walls and tie-in works to be completed while Offaly County Council worked to actively minimize disruption to traffic.

Cllr Noel Bourke said it was an extremely busy road but works were carried out quickly.

"This had to be done, there was no two ways about it. It's an important road for anyone travelling to Croghan or Tullamore from Daingean, so there was a number of detours in place and disruptions to water services intermittently whiles works were carried out," Cllr Bourke told the Offaly Independent this week.

"The whole bridge had to be replaced. Prefabricated cement structures were put in place and works were carried out on the road surface on both sides of the bridge located about two kilometers from Daingean on the Little Island road.

"It's great to see it completed and safe now for motorists. I'd like to compliment the roads office for all their hard work over the past number of weeks to have this completed in such a short space of time."

Meanwhile, Cllr Noel Bourke added that he expects that road surface improvement works to be carried out on St Francis Street and Assumption Road in Edenderry in the coming weeks.

"Both of these roads are included in this year’s Roads Programme. While full assessments and arrangements for the potential work have not been carried out yet, it is hoped that works will commence sometime in August or sooner if possible."