9 April 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork County Council today announced plans to develop a Boardwalk on the western wall of Mallow Bridge. The bridge, spanning the River Blackwater, is a recorded protected structure dating back to 1712 and is a major access route to Mallow Town Centre. The proposed Boardwalk development is estimated to cost in the region of €1.2 million and will be funded by the Council and an EU Designated Urban Centres grant worth €1million.
A public information evening will be held at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Wednesday 17th April, from 4pm to 9pm and all interested parties are invited to view plans of the proposed works which will be on display. These plans will include details of the project and traffic management during construction.
The boardwalk, designed to minimise visual impact on the bridge, is to be constructed on the western spandrel wall. The existing footpath on the bridge can then be removed allowing for the addition of traffic turning lanes, greatly improving traffic flow across the bridge and resulting in significantly reduced journey times for drivers.
Mayor of the County, Cllr Gerard Patrick Murphy praised the proposed plans noting that “Traffic studies and research have shown that the Boardwalk and the extra traffic lane will reduce journey times for motorist and provide safe and easy access for pedestrians and cyclists to the town – It’s a win-win for everybody and will enhance the quality of life for the whole community.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, in welcoming the plans today said “This Boardwalk will facilitate shared space for cyclists and pedestrians and will markedly improve access to the town centre for residents of areas to the south of Mallow. It will not only greatly improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users on the bridge it will also contribute many associated sustainability, environmental and economic benefits to the town.”
The works will include the relocation of the Republican War Monument from its existing location on the bridge parapet to a safer location in a new amenity area on the northern approach to the bridge where it will be possible to enjoy in a purpose-built area safely away from traffic.
The boardwalk has been designed to minimise works between the bridge parapets thereby reducing traffic disruption during construction. Works are expected to commence in June of this year and will take from 4 to 5 months to complete.
Night time works will be carried out to minimise traffic disruption. Some of the night time works will require a full road closure over the bridge with diversions in place. It is expected that full time (day & night) lane closure and associated detour will be necessary for a period, and will be confined to the school summer holiday period where possible
Road Closures and Detours will be updated on Map Alerter at www.mapalerter.com. Any queries email mallowboardwalk@corkcoco.ie
