Work about to start on new cantilever bridge

Traffic restrictions are expected to be in place  at the junction of the old N3 and the Kentstown Road in Navan on Monday.
Work is about to start on the new cantilever bridge this week and traffic restrictions will swing into place .
Work on the pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Boyne will take place over the summer months and will involve some road closures.
From Monday, it is expected that westbound traffic coming from the Kentstown Road (R153) will be diverted onto the Metges Road through Johnstown. Eastbound traffic travelling towards Kentstown will be able to continue to do so until the end of the week, which also marks the end of the state examinations.   
A full closure in both directions across the bridge is then scheduled to run during the school holidays from next Saturday, the 23rd of June until the 31st of August. Pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge during this time.
After the 31st of August, localised traffic management will be in place on the Kentstown Road, with some short term closures to allow specific works to be completed. It is anticipated that the bridge and related works will be completed in December.  
As part of the project, a new four metre wide cycle/pedestrian steel bridge will be cantilevered from the existing masonry stone arch bridge, resulting in the appearance of a boardwalk spanning over the River Boyne. A new shared cyclist/pedestrian surface will be provided on the Kentstown Road to link the new bridge to the junction of Convent Lane, with upgraded public lighting. New footpaths and a raised table pedestrian crossing at the junction of the Convent Lane and Kentstown Road are also to be constructed. The junction of the R147/R153/Timmons Hill will include pedestrian crossings on each arm to facilitate safe crossings at this busy intersection.
According to the Council “access to the centre of Navan for cyclists and pedestrians using the Kentstown Road is set to be vastly improved with the delivery of Navan’s first cantilevered bridge.
“This major new piece of modern infrastructure will improve safety, encourage more people into the town centre, and make it far more accessible and an attractive place to visit, shop and to stay longer.
“The bridge and associated works will provide safer facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and will be of particular benefit to the students attending St Michael’s Loreto Secondary School.”
 Further information and updates will be available on www.meathcoco.ie