Caragh Bridge Refurbishment Works

Client

Kildare County Council

Consultant

PUNCH Consulting Engineers

Location

Co. Kildare

Following an accident, JCL were requested by Kildare County Council, to mobilise at 24 hours notice to carry out protection and repair works on the listed and historic structure – works were subsequently expanded to include further permanent works, on a design and build basis

Key Features

• The bridge is a national monument and the oldest bridge over the River Liffey – the original bridge dates from 17th century
• Traditional masonry repairs to the historic bridge following substantial consultation with conservation architects
• Major temporary traffic management – diversion route was put in place for the duration of the works
• In river works, requiring liaison with Inland Fisheries Ireland – this included full inspection of the bridge and masonry repair and repointing works
• Strengthening works to the structure and substantial traffic calming works at both approaches
• Installation of warning signage and traffic signals – the road is a two way local road, but the layout at the bridge was changed to control traffic over the bridge to single line
• Establishment of permanent diversion route over 8km for HGV’s which are no longer permitted to cross the structure
• Minor repair works at other structures were also added to the contract