Bridge could reopen before Christmas under new plans

Originally constructed in 1783, Kilrea Bridge is a listed structure

Cars may be able to travel across the damaged Kilrea Bridge before Christmas, if new plans from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) are successful.

It links County Londonderry and County Antrim and is the quickest way for people to travel between Kilrea and Rasharkin and other towns and villages such as Dunloy.

It was closed on 20 September after extensive cracking was discovered in a retaining wall creating "an unacceptable risk to public safety", according to the DfI.

On Monday, Dfl said repair work would start on 10 November but would take up to 14 weeks - longer than expected.

But new plans announced on Friday could see cars and other light vehicles using the bridge by early December.

A DfI spokesperson said it and its contractor had been working to find a way to reduce the length of time the bridge would be closed.

They said the permanent solution required specialist equipment to drill between the two approach walls beneath the road surface, followed by tie-bars being installed to connect the retaining walls on each side of the road

An interim solution would see a number of temporary tie-bars, which the spokesperson said would "provide temporary restraint to the walls".

"We are optimistic that the use of temporary tie-bars will allow the road to reopen to cars and light vehicles in early December, subject to suitable weather conditions," the spokesperson said.

"The department fully appreciates the impact this closure is having and the understandable frustration of the local community, including businesses in the area.

"The department is committed to reopen the road as soon as possible whilst protecting the public as a priority.

"We want to thank everyone for their patience while we work to deliver a safe and effective solution."

The bridge has been closed since 20 September because a retaining wall was damaged

The bridge was originally constructed in 1783 and is a listed structure.

Businesses in Kilrea have described the impact the closure has had on their trade.