Jazz weekend demolition date for pedestrian bridges

TWO pedestrian bridges over one of Cork city’s busiest roads will be demolished during the October Bank Holiday weekend.

A major traffic management plan has been prepared to minimise disruption on the N25 South Ring Road during the works.

Engineers working on the Bandon /Sarsfield Interchange Scheme confirmed yesterday crews will work 24-hours a day throughout the weekend to get the job done.

And they defended their decision to do the work — one of the biggest elements of the entire €60 million road scheme — during the city’s bumper jazz festival.

A project spokesperson said consideration was given to carrying out the works over two successive weekends.

However after discussions between Cork City Council, gardaí, SIAC Construction and the emergency services, the decision was taken to carry out both bridge demolitions over the Bank Holiday.

The spokesperson added: “Effectively, the availability of the Bank Holiday Monday, coupled with the fact that works will be progressed on a continuous 24-hour basis effectively allows both demolitions to be completed over a single weekend.”

To facilitate the works, traffic will be diverted shortly after 8pm on Friday October 28 with the South Ring Road fully open again by 6am on Tuesday, November 1.

Engineers said the works will be well publicised.

There will be a continuous Garda presence on the diversion route to ensure delays are minimised and there will also be free breakdown assistance in the area over the weekend.

A mail drop will be carried out in the general area and local businesses will also be contacted.

The spokesman said local authority staff will be available on site over the weekend to deal with any issues.

They can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 1800 932 046.