WATCH: Spectacular footage of new bridge released to mark official opening of Killaloe bypass

One of the largest transport projects to be undertaken in Clare in recent years, will be officially opened this Thursday.

The Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill.

The entire scheme, which cost nearly €90 million, is approximately 6.2km and the new bridge crosses the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River on the R494. 

Decades of traffic congestion in the twin communities of Killaloe/Ballina will be significantly reduced by the bypass which will be officially opened by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien in the presence of local dignitaries and council officials.

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Last year it was revealed that a number of viewing platforms have been constructed at each bridge pier along the shared cycleway which forms part of the new bridge.

Located on both sides of the bridge, these will act as viewing points for locals and tourists once it is opened and both cyclists and pedestrians will also be able to stop and sit down at each of the viewing points.