Plans for a new bridge to span the Bannfoot area of the River Bann are to progress to detailed design stage.
Confirmation came from Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd in response to a written question.
It is now almost two years since it was reported that a feasibility study was take place into a new bridge across the River Bann at Bannfoot where it flows into Lough Neagh.
The study will determine the best solution for a crossing between the Columbkille Road and the Bannfoot Road.
Both roads are only 50 metres apart but requie a 25-minute journey between the two points by road.
The possibility of a bridge at the Bannfoot has, therefore, long been discussed.
The update came in response to a progress update request by Upper Bann MLA Eoin Tennyson.
He has previously advocated the need for such a crossing, when he said: “A pedestrian bridge where the River Bann meets Lough Neagh would not only provide a quick, safe and picturesque crossing and enhance our local cycling network, but would also have huge symbolic significance, connecting our people and rural communities along the loughshore.”
The Minister – who is also an MLA for Upper Bann – agrees.
In his update, Mr O’Dowd confirms that a feasibility study completed in April last year identified a pedestrian/cycle bridge as the preferred option at the Bannfoot.
And he added: “The project will now proceed to detailed design.
“The bridging of the Bannfoot will for the first time allow cyclists and pedestrians to circumvent the lough without taking a significant detour. The bridge will be an important addition to promoting active travel.”
That said, however, Minister O’Dowd advised: “Future delivery will be subject to the successful completion of the relevant processes and availability of funding.”
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