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Kilrea Bridge Reopens After 11-Week Closure
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Kilrea Bridge Reopens After Eleven-Week Closure: Local Businesses Struggle, Seek Support
The historic Kilrea Bridge over the River Bann in County Londonderry, closed since September due to cracked retaining walls, has reopened to cars and light vehicles. The eighteenth-century bridge, built in 1783, connects Kilrea to Rasharkin and Dunloy. Temporary repairs have been made, with a full reopening expected by mid-February. However, local businesses, including a shop and fuel station, have suffered significant losses, with food sales dropping 30% and takeout plummeting 50%. Despite reopening, owners worry about the bridges ability to handle modern lorries, as it was designed for horses and carts. The bridge previously closed for over a month in 2022. Business owners, like Agnieszka McIntyre and Kenny Bradley, feel ignored by Stormont politicians, as they have not received financial aid. The Department for Infrastructure has no plans to replace the bridge soon, but local development plans in 2026 could lead to a new crossing. Regular checks and fixes are being made to ensure the bridges safety.
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