LATEST: Council seeks contractors for €18m bridge in Newbridge
Kildare County Council has invited expressions of interest from contractors for the construction of the new road and bridge, which will cross the River Liffey and connect the Great Connell and Kilbelin areas
Plans for a second bridge in Newbridge have moved a significant step forward following the commencement of the tender process for the €18 million Southern Ring Road and bridge project.
Kildare County Council has invited expressions of interest from contractors for the construction of the new road and bridge, which will cross the River Liffey and connect the Great Connell and Kilbelin areas.
Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, welcomed the announcement, describing it as an important milestone for the town.
Minister Heydon said he had long campaigned for a second bridge alongside local councillors Peggy O'Dwyer and Tracey O'Dwyer, and highlighted the €20 million in Government funding secured through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund to allow the project to progress.
"Having long fought for and highlighted the need for a second bridge in Newbridge with my colleagues Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer and Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer and having secured the €20million Government funding under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund that has allowed this project to commence, I am delighted to see the tender process has been initiated," he said.
The project will deliver approximately 790 metres of new roadway, including a five-span bridge measuring around 170 metres in length.
The works will also include connections to existing road networks and utilities, underground services and public lighting along the road and bridge.
The tender process will follow a two-stage procedure. Contractors have been invited to submit expressions of interest by November 30, with five companies expected to be shortlisted in January. Those shortlisted will then receive further project information and be invited to submit detailed construction tenders.
The successful contractor is expected to undertake a construction programme lasting approximately 18 months, with work potentially commencing in 2027, subject to the outcome of the procurement process.
Minister Heydon said the development would help ease traffic congestion, reduce journey times and create opportunities for further economic activity in Newbridge.
He also acknowledged Kildare County Council's work in bringing the project to the tender stage and said he would continue working with the council to support its delivery.
Describing it as an exciting period for Newbridge, he pointed to other developments including the new County Library and Archives, proposed town bus service and redevelopment of the Cultural Quarter.
The second bridge is expected to represent a major addition to Newbridge's infrastructure as the town continues to expand.