Galway Bay fm newsroom - The first sod has been turned on the construction of the iconic new Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycle bridge - the first bridge to span the Corrib in over 30 years.
The city council says the new bridge will draw pedestrians and cyclists and facilitate a seamless and natural flow from either side of the river, while creating an iconic focal point for locals and tourists alike.
The project is funded by the European Commission through the European Regional Development Fund, and the National Transport Authority.
Planning consent for the new bridge was received from An Bord Pleanála in August 2021.
The tender for construction was issued last December, with a contractor appointed in March.
It is anticipated that the bridge will be substantially complete by early 2023.
Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council says the bridge will remove current conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists, and traffic, and will enhance links between both sides of the river, as well as facilitating the cross-city link public transport corridor over the existing 200 year old bridge.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton says the structure will offer a dedicated safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists alike...
