NRA crosses border again

The National Roads Authority (NRA) is to embark on its third roads project spanning the border with Northern Ireland.

In 1999 the authority was part of a cross-border consortium which reopened a former north-south route with the building of the George Mitchell Bridge across the Woodford River, near Belturbet. The bridge replaces the Aghalane Bridge which was blown up by paramilitaries in the 1970s. It was dedicated in recognition of the American Senator George Mitchell's contribution in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement.

Two years ago the NRA embarked on the first cross-border road - as opposed to just a bridge - since independence in 1921. The Dundalk Western bypass and Northern Link includes 9.4km of motorway within the Republic, and 4.6km of motorway standard road in Co Armagh.

It links to the A1 Newry Bypass, south of Newry, Co Down. Due to open this autumn the Northern Link is being built by an Irish/Spanish consortium and funded in co-operation with the Roads Service of Northern Ireland.

The scheme was controversial not for its north-south dimension but because its route crosses into the Ravensdale forest south of the border and through a scenic valley on the northern side.

Now the NRA has announced that it is to take part in further bridge work - part funding the rebuilding of a major "blackspot" bridge on the N53 at Ballinacarry which spans the River Fane.

The bridge is an important route between Dundalk, Co Louth and Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, which has become increasingly popular since the opening of the M1 motorway.

The NRA is to contribute about one quarter of the estimated €3.7million cost with the remainder being split between the Roads Service of Northern Ireland and the EU Regional Development Fund.

Designs for the new bridge will get underway immediately with planning commencing on both sides of the border. As yet there is no indicative timetable for the work, which is to be put out to tender.