Sod turning for new Blackwater footbridge in Navan

The sod turning for the new pedestrian bridge and cycleway over the Blackwater River in Navan took place on Friday afternoon with the facility expected to be opened to the public in the second quarter of next year.

The bridge will link Navan Town Centre and Blackwater Park, providing safe and convenient access for local residents and the people of Navan.

Fitzwilliam Group will be managing the delivery of the project, which will consist of a new bridge, footpaths, cycle paths and associated public lighting.

The proposed development is located on a predominantly green-field site of 0.77 hectares, located in the townlands of Abbeyland and Abbeyland South in Navan .

The proposed bridge runs in a north-south direction across the river Blackwater from the open green-field park on the north of the river to the estate at Balmoral.

The aim of the new bridge is to provide a new traffic-free recreational route, and to encourage sustainable travel to and from the town centre.

Director of Services for Transportation, Urban Regeneration, and Asset Management at Meath County Council Martin Murray said: "Meath County is delighted to work in partnership with Fitzwilliam Group and turn the sod on this project that will boost connectivity and promote physical activity for the people of Navan for generations."

William Smyth, Chairman of Fitzwilliam Group said: “I am thrilled to see this project of public good underway, which has taken seven years of commitment from the various stakeholders involved. On completion it will become an asset for Navan for many years to come.”