Major bridge reopens to traffic for first time in months following lengthy delay and diversions

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that temporary stabilisation works are now in place, allowing controlled access to return just ahead of the busy Christmas season.

The reopening, while welcomed by drivers, will come with strict safety measures, with access over the bridge being controlled through a 2.5-metre width restriction placed at both ends of the structure.

The Department said these controls would be essential because the bridge remains an active construction site, and permanent repair works are still ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: “The completion of these temporary works means we can restore access for cars and light vehicles ahead of the busy Christmas period.

“This is an important step in reducing disruption for the local community while ensuring public safety remains a top priority. We ask that drivers adhere strictly to the restrictions that are in place.”

The Department also warned that failure to obey the temporary restrictions could result in serious consequences, including the suspension of ongoing works and the closure of the route to all traffic until the permanent repairs are completed.

Kilrea Bridge was closed on September 20 after extensive cracking was identified on the retaining wall at the south-west end of the bridge.

Engineers determined that the defect posed a risk to public safety, and the road was immediately closed.

The closure sparked significant disruption, with long detours affecting school runs, commuting patterns and access to local businesses.

Throughout October and November, the Department published regular progress updates outlining the engineering challenges and steps being taken to stabilise the bridge.

The Department acknowledged at the time that the 14-week programme would take longer than initially anticipated due to difficult ground conditions, including the presence of large boulders beneath the surface that complicated drilling operations.

On November 7, the Department announced that an interim solution had been identified that would allow temporary tie-bars to be installed more quickly.

This measure was designed to provide temporary restraint to the failing walls while the more complex permanent tie-bars were drilled and installed. This development offered the first indication that the bridge could potentially reopen to light vehicles in early December.

Subsequent updates confirmed steady progress. Work began on schedule on November 10, with site set-up, plant mobilisation, vegetation clearance, and the installation of rock armour and a working platform at the riverbank.

By November 21, scaffolding had been erected on the eastern wingwall, trenches had been excavated in the carriageway and temporary tie-bars, together with pattress plates, had been fitted. Drilling through the lower sections of the wingwalls was also underway.

The Department did note that the bridge would remain closed to pedestrians for safety reasons, and parking around Portneal Lodge would be restricted to maintain safe access for workers and machinery.

Permanent repair works are continuing and are expected to be completed by mid-February 2026. Once this phase is finished, the bridge will fully reopen to all vehicles, including Heavy Goods Vehicles.

As Kilrea prepares for the winter rush, the reopening of the bridge to light traffic provides a welcome relief to households, commuters and local businesses. While restrictions still apply, many will view this as a crucial and long-overdue step back toward normality.