A £420,000 bridge replacement scheme at Glenrandal Road, Claudy, is nearing completion and reopened to traffic today, Monday 19 October 2020.
Glenrandal Bridge, Claudy was damaged beyond repair during the North West flooding event in August 2017.
Welcoming the reopening of the bridge Minister Mallon said: “It is great to see Glenrandal bridge has reopened following the devastating consequences of the 2017 floods.
“This was a major project for my Department which had to respect the listed nature of the bridge.
“The work was carried out sensitively with as much as possible of the old bridge stone salvaged and incorporated into the new bridge parapets with the work on site being undertaken with due regard to the local environment.
“I recognise it has been a difficult time for the local community while the bridge has been closed.
“However, I am sure they will join me in appreciating the final result of this renovation project and look forward to seeing the bridge back in full use.”
The contract to rebuild the bridge was awarded to Highway Barrier Solutions and work to rebuild the bridge commenced in April 2020.
DfI and the contractor were able to agree safe systems of working to allow the work to progress relatively unhindered throughout the Covid-19 restrictions.
The construction of the new bridge presented an opportunity to build a wider structure with improved road safety standards.
And it also afforded the opportunity to provide a single span structure to improve river flow capacity in an area prone to flooding.
DfI says it would like to thank the public and especially the local community, who were directly affected, for their patience and co-operation during the road closure.
