Public consultation underway as plans unveiled for new pedestrian bridge

Plans for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge will bring “vibrancy and rejuvenation” to areas of downtown Galway City.

Galway City Council has unveiled plans for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge on the former Clifden Railway Bridge.

The proposed Clifden Railway Bridge Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge would be laid on the abutments of the old bridge, which still prominently stand in the Corrib River.

When built, the new bridge would link the Dyke Road area with the University of Galway campus.

“The reinstatement of the bridge as a pedestrian and cycle link will connect places of study, work, retail, and recreation using sustainable modes of transport,” a statement from the city council said.

“The bridge will help to bring a vibrancy and rejuvenation to the surrounding areas, creating new places of public realm.”

A preferred option for the proposed bridge has been put forward following an assessment of potential designs.

This design, along with two alternative options, can be seen in an information brochure and in technical drawings which are available online.

Galway City Council is also inviting people to have their say on the project and the designs by completing a short survey which is available here.

The deadline to complete this survey is 5pm on Thursday, April 11.

Feedback from all prospective users of the bridge is welcome and will inform the next steps of this project.

The proposed bridge would be located just a short distance from the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge which opened last summer.