by Lorraine O’Hanlon, Galway Independent
Repair works on Claregalway Bridge are running three weeks behind schedule and will now be complete by Friday 21st of December, Galway County Council has confirmed.
The works, which began in mid-October, were due to be completed on Monday 3rd December, but have been extended “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
Traffic flow is being maintained on the bridge throughout the works and local Councillor Jim Cuddy said this week that they are having little impact on traffic on the busy commuter route through the village.
The repair works involve the removal of approximately 36 metres of existing parapet and replacement with a new metal parapet on a new in-situ concrete plinth.
Commenting on the delay, Cllr Cuddy said “Weather conditions have not been very favourable for that kind of work.”
A spokesperson for Galway County Council this week confirmed that the contractor’s initial programme for the works had a duration of eight weeks and a completion date of 3rd of December.
“Due to unforeseen events over which the contractor had no control, such as very wet and cold weather conditions, high river levels prevented works to the underside of the bridge deck, the works are currently three weeks behind programme.
“Every effort is being made by the contractor to complete the works as soon as possible,” she said.
Galway County Council has been advised that the works will be complete by Friday 21st of December, and the local authority has apologised for “any inconvenience caused” during the works.
