New footstick bridge in construction near Learmount Forest

Construction on a new footstick bridge is currently underway at Park village near Learmount Forest. The construction started on August 24 and is planned to be completed by the end of February by Derry
City & Strabane District Council.
This route existed for 150 years before the previous bridge collapsed under the strength of the 2017 storms.
The replacement of the old footstick bridge is good news for the  community.
“It's a route that has been in place for at least 150 years and we are really pleased we are going to get it open again,” said Michael Savage, Council Green Infrastructure Project Officer for Derry City & Strabane District Council.
“The last bridge washed away in the storms of August 2017,” said Michael Savage.
“Unfortunately, it has taken until now for us to have the bridge designed, approved and funded but we are now able to do it. We will be looking to open it by the spring we hope.”
Prepared for any weather conditions, Michael Savage said that the bridge will be reinforced to survive future floodings and storms.
“One of the reasons why it has taken us this long is that we had to design the bridge to a much higher flood resilience. It's higher above the water and the surrounding structure has to be much stronger to allow
for projected floodings with climate change.”
The concrete structure of the previous bridge will be replaced 'by piles that go deep into the ground to make sure they are fully resilient'.
“So far the heavy rains and high water levels did not have any impact on the constructions,” continued Michael.
However, the bridge is not the only element to be repaired. A part of the funds will be used to renovate the forest path.
“As well as replacing the bridge, we're able to make some improvement to the quality of the path,” said Michael.
“It will be an easier and more pleasant walk in the future. The paths will be wider, better gradients and some additional landscaping.”
Before the precedent bridge collapsed, it was often used by the walking group of the Learmount Community Centre.
“People at the centre are ecstatic as they have been waiting almost seven years for the opening of the bridge following the initial flooding,” said Barry McCabe, manager of Learmount Community Centre.
The project will cost £250,000 and funds have come from the council and the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Programme, according to Councillor Fergal Leonard.