Contractor for Saunders Bridge project appointed
A saga that has spanned years moved a step closer to a resolution this week when Westmeath County Council appointed Murphy International Ltd as the main contractors for the construction of the new pedestrian and cycle crossing at Saunders Bridge.
The bridge will be located adjacent to the existing Saunders Road Bridge on the Ardmore Road, Mullingar.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Investment Programme, the project is a key part of the existing Active Travel infrastructure on the Ardmore Road as well as the planned infrastructure for the Dublin Road and Millmount Road.
In a statement, the council said the project will:
• Provide a high-quality shared-use active travel facility built to the latest design standards
• Support sustainable development of Mullingar’s southeastern suburbs by creating an attractive route for active travel users while accommodating all transport modes
• Significantly improve accessibility to local services and schools for active travel users in the Ardmore/Ballinderry area.
Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, welcomed the contract signing, and said it “demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing Active Travel infrastructure throughout the county”.
The outgoing cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Ken Glynn, said he was “delighted to see this much-anticipated project begin”.
“Once completed, it will make a tremendous difference to local residents and pedestrians who use this route daily. As a local councillor, I have long championed this project and look forward to seeing the finished result.”
The chief executive of Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe, welcomed the appointment of Murphy International Ltd: “This project represents a significant step forward in delivering an integrated Active Travel network for pedestrians and cyclists in Mullingar. It will provide commuters with sustainable transport alternatives, help reduce car dependency, and forms a crucial element in implementing the National Sustainable Mobility Policy.”
On behalf of Murphy International James Donnelly, project director, stated: “Murphy is delighted to work with Westmeath County Council and Design ID to deliver this important infrastructure project, which will greatly benefit the Mullingar community.”