Publication of the report, which has been written by Aecom, follows community consultations on plans for the Newry Southern Relief Road. The consultations took place from November 2018 to February 2019 and from June to August 2019. The project would include the Newry River/Canal Bridge, which would have an approximate overall length of 165m.
The current preferred option is for a fixed bridge, with approximately 12m overall clearance over the canal. Inland Waterways Association Ireland was among respondents wanting the canal to remain open to tall ships, either via an opening bridge or by having an air draft of at least 36m.
An indicative image has been produced; the appearance will be dependent on the development of the conceptual design and constraints. Bridge aesthetics will also be considered as the scheme progresses.
