Sinking feeling on roads leading to Laois motorway bridges

Work is needed where local roads meet bridges over motorways in Laois to address sinking problems faced by those who use the local routes to cross the roads, Laois County Council has been told.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, raised the issue at a recent meeting in County Hall Portlaoise.

He tabled a motion calling on the local authority to examine the subsidence on all bridge structures crossing the M7 and M8 in south Laois.

He explained that there is no risk to the bridge structures but is the approach roads that are the problem due to settlement caused by traffic use. He expected it to be a common issue on roads to such bridges.

In a written reply, Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, Roads Department, said the bridge structures on the M7 & M8 Motorway form part of the “Project Road” and are the responsibility of the Motorway Operators.

“Laois County Council will contact both TII and the relevant Motorway Contractor to advise of the concerns raised and request an assessment and remediation works as required be undertaken,” he replied.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, told Cllr King that the motorway contractor would carry out the repairs if work is needed.

Young men arrested as Laois gardaí recover stolen wedding gift featured on RTÉ's Liveline

The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.