The distributor road, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in north Navan will encroach on Blackwater Park, shaving two hectares off the edge of the amenity and will continue through the site of the former Agriculture Department offices to the existing roundabout on the Kells Road.

Tendering process for Blackwater bridge to get underway next year

Ann Casey

Published: Fri 24 Sep 2021, 1:32 PM

Last updated: Fri 24 Sep 2021, 1:36 PM

Work on the new bridge over the Blackwater in Navan, which will connect the Windtown Road with the Kells Road will go to tender in January of February next year.

Planning permission for the structure which would alleviate traffic congestion in North Navan has been confirmed and Meath County Council has instructed consultants to prepared a detailed design for the road.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy had asked about progress on the bridge at Navan Municipal District meeting last week. He was told the council was in discussion with the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport and expected to have the financial commitment necessary for the project in October.

The work is expected to take 18 months to complete. The distributor road, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in north Navan will encroach on Blackwater Park, shaving two hectares off the edge of the amenity and will continue through the site of the former Agriculture Department offices to the existing roundabout on the Kells Road.

Three potential route corridors for the proposed new road were considered in recent years.

Cllr Fennessy said: "Planning approval for a bridge over the river River Blackwater is great news for the town. The new bridge will bring welcome relief to the residents of North Navan who've been blighted by traffic congestion for twenty years, they'll be delighted with this announcement.

"I commend the Council for following through on this project. As the town grows over the coming decades, we will need infrastructure fit for purpose to accommodate increased pressure on the existing road network.

"This bridge will play a key role in alleviating those pressures by freeing up congested roads and providing improved connectivity during peak times. It's a win win for everyone. I look forward to its completion," he said.

At the moment, the only route into Navan from the north of the town is via the inner relief road, linking the Round O with the fire station and this route.