N3 closed to facilitate completion of bog bridge

Seamus Enright

The recently opened N3 Belturbet bypass has been closed once again, and will remain shut for the next three weeks to facilitate contractors as they work to complete the Aghnaguig Bog Bridge near Annagh.
Earlier this year the first section of the long-awaited multi-million euro Belturbet bypass opened. Work is expected to be completed on the new bridge in time to reopen on December 13 next. Then road users will be able to travel the entire length of the 6.7km bypass.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) had previously intended the much-needed €61 million project to be completed earlier this year. But following several set-backs that date was put back to the first quarter of 2014.

Closure for works
Now the Council have moved to close the roadway between Butlersbridge and Belturbet to public traffic, starting Monday, November 25 last and continuing to 6pm on Friday, December 13 inclusive, for the construction works to take place.
As an alternative, road users are being advised to that access from Cavan will be via the N54 Butlersbridge to Clones road to Gannon’s Cross, through Belturbet Town to the R197 Drumalee road from Staghall Roundabout, and vice versa.
A Council spokesperson told The Anglo-Celt: “The closure of the N3 Butlersbridge to Belturbet Road will facilitate the completion of the Aghnaguig Bog Bridge and other necessary works on this Scheme. The road will be opened to the road user for the entire length of the scheme on completion of works on the December 13, 2013.”
The spokesperson further assured that there were “no further planned road closures” for the scheme, however noted that should any remedial works be required during the defects period, “further closures may be required”.