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29 Oct 2025

Kilrea Bridge: Contractor instructed to urgently develop detailed proposals to stabilise retaining wall

Tenders were received on October 24 and are currently being assessed by officials, the Department stated in an update earlier today

Kilrea Bridge: Contractor instructed to urgently develop detailed proposals to stabilise retaining wall

The bridge has been closed since late September.

Following the recently completed Geotechnical Investigations at Kilrea bridge, which closed last month due to structural concerns, the Department for Infrastructure says its contractor has been instructed to urgently develop detailed proposals to stabilise the retaining wall.

Tenders were received on October 24 and are currently being assessed by officials, the Department stated in an update earlier today.

"An update will be provided once the evaluation process is complete, with the intention of commencing works as soon as possible," the Department concluded. 

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has welcomed the confirmation that the Department is now taking steps to progress essential work on the River Bann bridge in Kilrea, but has warned that there can be no further delays in getting the vital crossing reopened.
 
The bridge links Kilrea to County Antrim and its prolonged closure has caused major disruption to local businesses, workers and residents, with many reporting significant financial losses and extended travel times.
 
Cara Hunter MLA said: "I welcome that the Department is now taking action to address the serious structural issues with the River Bann bridge, but the people of Kilrea need more than reassurances. They need dates, deadlines and delivery. There can be no further delays.
 
"Small businesses in the town are watching their livelihoods unravel. Shop owners have told me their takings have dropped dramatically, while others are having to cut staff hours just to stay afloat. It's heart breaking, especially heading into the Christmas season, when shops should be expecting extra footfall.
 
"If this were a larger town, I suspect we would have seen swifter action and clearer communication. Rural communities like Kilrea shouldn't be treated as an afterthought.
 
"Kilrea has shown incredible resilience, but the uncertainty has gone on far too long, I want to see the Department working hand in hand with the community to get this bridge reopened safely and swiftly. I'll continue to press the Infrastructure Minister to ensure this issue is treated with the urgency it deserves."

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