Long-awaited completion of works at Aghoo Bridge in sight

With works nearly completed at Aghoo Bridge, Cllr Gary Prior said that councillors have been made aware of "some cracks and movement" and asked if a structural engineers report has been carried out by Leitrim County Council on Aghoo Bridge, particularly in light of the works recently undertaken by Waterways Ireland. 

He said there appeared to be new cracks and signs of movement in the original stonework of the bridge and requested the council provide the findings and outline any recommended actions arising from the report. 

The Leitrim Observer previously reported that the underpass construction at Aghoo Bridge on the R204 in Ballinamore has run nine weeks over schedule and cost almost half a million euro.

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The official response said that as part of the Aghoo Pedestrian Underpass Project, a Condition Survey is required on completion of all site works which includes pre and post construction work surveys.

The pre-condition survey identified that while there were no major structural defects, there were a number of minor defects including but not limited to cracks to the parapet walls and leaning of the parapet walls.

The post-condition survey has yet to be fully completed and an update will be provided when the document is drafted.

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Cllr Paddy O'Rourke supported the motion and asked about the "concrete bumpers that were added in" and was told that they were crash barriers and would be clad with stone.

He also asked if the fencing on the Ballinamore side of the bridge "is as good as it's going to get in terms" and was told it was temporary until the crash barriers are installed. 

Cllr Prior asked about Drumreilly side and "if the crash barrier takes the whole bend in" and was told that it did. 

He added: "Just that in frosty conditions, it could be dangerous."