Dunancory Bridge opening delayed

Progress on work on Dunancory Bridge in Virginia has been slightly delayed, but the opening day for use by cyclist and pedestrian has been identified. Cavan County Council posted a tweet on the progress of the work.

In it they say: “Due to prevailing ground conditions, the road closure on the R194 at Dunancory Bridge will be extended until 6pm on Saturday, 17th October (weekends inclusive). The road will be open to cyclist and pedestrian crossing from Saturday, 26th September.”

Diversions are (Westbound) via the N3 at Virginia town, via the R196 at New Inn, and via the R196 to the junction with the R194 in Ballyjamesduff town, with the same route applying in reverse for eastbound traffic.

In a statement the local authority said: “Cavan County Council apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause and wishes to thank people for their patience in the delivery of this essential project. Any queries in relation to this can be emailed to roads@cavancoco.ie.”

Shortly before the works commenced Executive Engineer at the Road Design Office, Orla Malone, told members of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District authority that providing the project complied with environmental considerations and traffic calming measures it was in accordance with proper planning.

The work on the bridge, located on the R194 Ballyjamesduff road out of Virginia, was unanimously welcomed by the elected members. Cllr Shane p O'Reilly said he took up a position on the council 16 years ago and his second motion was about improvement works on the bridge. Cllr O'Reilly said it was a “bone of contention since the year dot”. He quoted former Cllr Paddy O'Reilly's quip on the road saying “it is the worst stretch of road between Ballyjamesduff and Moscow”.