Closure of popular commuter link between Meath and Drogheda deferred

Hannah McNamara

The closure of the Obelisk Bridge which is a popular route into and out of Drogheda via the Slane Road has been deferred.

The commuter link was due to be closed today, 1st August, until the end of May to carry out major refurbishment works but has been postponed until the 21st August.

Road users will be notified on the 14th August about the upcoming closure and traffic diversions will be given.

The bridge will remain open until the 21st when the contractor will be ready to go.

Drogheda based Cllr James Byrne stated that this type of project can face unexpected situations which can lead to a short postponement:

"Louth County Council had to give a closure date to follow statutory processes and the 1st August was the date given but as with this type of project it’s not an exact science."

Last February, the Department of Transport approved funding of €1m for improvement works to the bridge, which dates back to 1868. The meeting heard the upgrade requires major structural work as the steel has corroded.