At a projected cost of €2.35 million, Cork County Council and Cork-based construction company, Cumnor Construction Ltd., this week signed the contract to construct a new boardwalk at Mallow Bridge.
The 200 year old bridge which spans the River Blackwater, is a protected structure and a major access route to Mallow town centre. The boardwalk will be affixed on the western spandrel wall of the bridge and the subsequent removal of the footpath on the bridge will give space for the addition of traffic turning lanes which are expected to greatly improve traffic flow in this area.
€1.35 million of the overall cost will be funded by Cork County Council, and the remaining €1 million co-financed by an EU allocated Designated Urban Centres Grant.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey said the signing of the contract marks the commencement of the development of the much anticipated Mallow Boardwalk which will have a number of significant benefits for the town.
“As a designated ‘hub’ town under the National Spatial Strategy, Mallow’s population continues to grow and Cork County Council is committed to supporting this growth in a strategic and sustainable manner ensuring that quality of life also increases. Investing in infrastructure and smart transport are key elements in this," he said.
TRAFFIC DISRUPTION TO BE MINIMISED
The boardwalk has been designed to minimise works between the bridge parapets, thereby reducing traffic disruption during construction.
Night-time works will be carried out to minimise traffic disruption and some of the overnight works will require a full bridge closure. Some full time (day and night) lane closures are expected and associated detours will be necessary for a period, and will be confined to the school summer holiday period where possible.
The design of the boardwalk will provide for a significant amount of shared space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Road Closures and detours will be updated on Cork County Alerts. Cork County Alerts is a FREE text message, social media & email alert service – see www.corkcoco.ie
