The bridge is to a new design that will be cheaper to build than another cable-stayed project shelved three years ago for being too expensive.
“The funding that I have put in place will see the delivery of a landmark bridge that will connect two disadvantaged communities in Strabane,” said social development minister Nelson McCausland. “It will provide alternative routes across the river for pedestrians and cyclists, creating better access to facilities and opening up opportunities for the residents of Strabane.”
The total cost of the bridge project is £5.2 million with £1.4 million being provided through a Department for Regional Development programme that aims to put walking and cycling at the heart of more sustainable local transport arrangements. “Northern Ireland has one of the lowest levels of walking and cycling anywhere in Europe and we want this to change,” said transport minister Danny Kennedy.
The bridge will be delivered through Strabane District Council. A similar project had been tendered in 2012 but that project was shelved as the costs were too high. A new design has been completed that has significantly reduced the costs.
Construction is due to begin in the summer of 2014 and the bridge is due to be finished by the summer of 2015.
