Major changes coming to Cox's and Whitehall Bridges in Tullamore

A significant step forward in infrastructure is on the horizon for Tullamore, as the Department has officially signed off on the tender for transformative works at Cox’s Bridge.

With the contractor ready to go, the project is poised to begin as soon as a start date is confirmed. Joe Dooley senior executive engineer with Offaly County Council reported to the June meeting of Tullamore Municipal District heard.

The ambitious upgrade will reconfigure the current layout at the busy Clara Road/Clontarf Road junction, bringing in new, raised, signal-controlled pedestrian crossings to improve safety and accessibility. Just 30 metres south of Cox’s Bridge, a new raised Belisha Beacon crossing,complete with red tactile paving,will be installed at the Pearse Park/O’Molloy Street/Kilbride Street junction, enhancing connectivity for pedestrians.

Another similar pedestrian crossing will be constructed 100 metres east of the bridge on Kilbride Street. To prioritise pedestrian movement and reduce through-traffic, vehicular access to the west side of Kilbride Park Road will be discontinued. The works will also include newly aligned footpaths, kerbing upgrades, refreshed carriageway markings, and updated road signage, bringing improved safety,to the area.

In addition to Cox's Bridge tenders are also being prepared for works at the historic Whitehall Bridge (Bury Bridge) on Convent Road. This phase of development will see new kerbing and footpaths installed along the L-2023-1, specifically targeting areas at Convent Road and the bridge itself.

A key feature of the Whitehall Bridge project is the narrowing of the bridge’s carriageway to support a new one-way traffic system, aimed at calming traffic and enhancing pedestrian safety. The nearby junction at St Brigid’s Place and Convent Road will also be redesigned with tighter turning radii to reduce vehicle speeds.

Three new controlled crossings will be introduced on Daingean Road and Convent Road, along with an additional uncontrolled crossing at the Bury Bridge/Daingean Road junction. Road signage, directional markings, and associated ancillary works will be implemented to support the new layout.

The works fall within or adjacent to the curtilage of a protected structure Bury Bridge ensuring that all upgrades will be carried out with sensitivity to the area's historical significance.

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These projects are set to reshape how residents and visitors move through the town.

Councillor Sean O'Brien said he was conscious of the small businesses near to Cox's Bridge. ''We don't want the place closed off. We need to keep things moving,'' he said.

Joe Dooley, Senior Executive Engineer with Offaly County Council said, ''we will liaise with the public and make sure it doesn't impinge on them.''