Bridge demolition advances €456m Cork road improvement project

The Maryborough Hill bridge which was demolished over the weekend, with a temporary bridge in place until a wider and longer bridge is built over the Cork to Ringaskiddy road as part of the new M28. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The €456m Cork road project to improve access to Ringaskiddy is progressing, with the Maryborough Hill Bridge demolished over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

Demolition works on the bridge began late on Friday night and continued through Saturday, with temporary road restrictions in place. The demolition will facilitate the construction of a new, larger bridge structure to replace the existing bridge.

The works are part of the €456m M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road, covering an 11km motorway from the N40 Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely being delivered by contractor Bam, and a 1.5 km Ringaskiddy Relief Road.

The scheme was originally conceived in 2002 to address long-standing transport and connectivity challenges in the region.

Due for completion by summer 2028, the project aims to directly support the Port of Cork’s relocation to Ringaskiddy, and ease congestion, improve safety, and deliver faster, more reliable journeys for residents, commuters, and commercial traffic.

To maintain connectivity during construction, a temporary bridge at Maryborough Hill was installed in July and will carry traffic while the new permanent bridge is being built over the coming months.

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The temporary bridge opened to traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists last Tuesday, the same day the now-demolished bridge closed permanently to allow preparation works to begin in advance of the demolition.

The N28 was fully closed between Rochestown and Carr’s Hill from 8pm on Friday, with a diversion route in place, but is reopening, while the Carr’s Hill Interchange to Maryborough Hill Link Road is due to open this week.

Funded by the Department of Transport through Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Ringaskiddy Relief Road is being delivered by Sorensen Civil Engineering while Bam is delivering the main construction contract for the new motorway.

A spokesperson for the project team said they acknowledge that the works may result in temporary disruption for local residents, businesses and road users.

“We appreciate your patience and co-operation while this important phase of the project is completed and apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

“We thank all stakeholders for their understanding as we continue to deliver this significant infrastructure improvement for the area.”