A petition has been launched calling for the building of a new Kilrea bridge just days after the Bann Bridge re-opened to cars and light vehicles.

In late September, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced the bridge’s closure due to concerns about the structural stability of a retaining wall on the approach to the bridge.

The Department made an announcement on Friday, December 5, saying “temporary stabilisation works at Kilrea Bridge are now well advanced”, adding that the bridge would re-open to cars and light vehicles up to three tonnes on Saturday, December 6.

However, reports then emerged that the bridge had become blocked due to a lorry getting stuck as traffic began to cross the bridge again.

Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry Representative Gemma Brolly has warned that the ongoing disruption is “the result of years of silence, neglect and the complete sidelining of rural people.”

placeholder image — Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry Representative Gemma Brolly has warned that the ongoing disruption is “the result of years of silence, neglect and the complete sidelining of rural people.”

Now Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry representative Gemma Brolly has launched a petition calling for a brand new bridge to be built over the Bann.

Ms Brolly said that the crisis surrounding the Kilrea Bann Bridge is “the result of years of silence, neglect and the complete sidelining of rural people”.

Born and raised two miles from the Antrim side of the bridge and now living on the Derry side, Ms Brolly says she has witnessed “every ounce of the pain and pressure” caused by the collapse of this essential route.

“The Kilrea Bann Bridge is not just a structure or a shortcut. It is a lifeline – a bridge that connects two counties, thousands of people, local businesses, carers, workers, schoolchildren and emergency services.

The bridge re-opened to cars and light vehicles under three tonnes on Saturday, December 6, however a lorry got into difficulty just hours later.

"Its deterioration has caused real financial hardship, emotional strain and social disruption. And one thing is absolutely certain – we can never be here again.

Kilrea's Bann Bridge to re-open to cars and light vehicles

“This is a 240-year-old bridge. It was never built for heavy vehicles, for agricultural machinery, for the traffic it carries today and yet we allowed it to shoulder that burden without the investment, the protection or the foresight it deserved. We are now living with the consequences of years of avoidance and delay.

“I am asking every single person affected to sign and share the petition at www.change.org/buildourbridge

"Share it with your family, neighbours, colleagues. Speak to your councillors, your MLAs, your MPs. Ask them exactly what they are doing – not what they hope to do, not what they may consider doing, but what they will do – to deliver a new bridge.”