It's 'about time' says business owner as Kilrea Bridge reopens fully

A bridge in County Londonderry is to fully reopen to all vehicles following five months of repairs, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has said.

Kilrea Bridge closed on 20 September after extensive cracking was discovered in a retaining wall.

The bridge was reopened on 6 December for cars and light vehicles of up to three tonnes while repair works continued.

In a statement, a DfI spokesperson said structural stabilisation works have now been completed meaning all road users can use the bridge again from 17:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Although the width and weight restrictions have been removed a temporary 40mph speed limit will remain in place for several weeks.

"This is to facilitate a number of minor construction activities, including masonry repairs, resurfacing, kerbing and improvements to the parapet," the DfI spokesperson said.

A temporary barrier will also remain on the carriageway during that time.

"The Department is mindful of the impact the traffic restrictions have had on local residents, businesses and commuters and would like to thank them for their patience and cooperation throughout this period," they added.

Agnieszka McIntyre, who owns a restaurant near the bridge, said it was "about time" the bridge reopened fully.

Although cars and lighter vehicles were able to access the bridge, her business had still been affected as larger vehicles - including delivery lorries - were still being diverted.

"It's done a real a number on the whole town, not just businesses," she said

"It's more than just a bridge, for a lot of people it's a connection."

Kilrea is on the western bank of the River Bann and is connected to County Antrim by this single-lane bridge.

Michael óg McKiernan, who works at McKiernan and Sons Funeral Directors in Kilrea, said he hoped the latest announcement would encourage more people to use the bridge.

"People weren't sure that it was open," he said.

"Hopefully this will help with the public's perception and we will see more people using it and coming into the town."

Local businesses previously told BBC News NI that the closure of the bridge impacted their sales while some called for the construction of an entirely new bridge.

The DfI previously said it had no plans to replace the bridge which was originally constructed in 1783 and is a listed structure.

Repointing of the southwest wingwall was unable to be completed due to the weather and will instead be finished during the summer, the DfI said.

It added any traffic management measures required for the remaining activities will be of a short duration and carried out during off-peak hours to minimise disruption.