Ballyalbany Bridge
Active Travel Infrastructure – Ballyalbany Bridge
The Ballyalbany Bridge Active Travel Scheme has delivered a new dedicated Active Travel crossing of the Blackwater River in Monaghan Town, providing a safer, more accessible and attractive link between residential areas, schools, churches and Monaghan Town Centre. The scheme comprises a new dedicated Active Travel bridge within over 100m of upgraded pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure along Coolshannagh Road adjacent to the existing protected structure.
Delivered ahead of programme and under budget, with a final out-turn cost of less than €1.3 million, the project was successfully completed through collaboration between Monaghan County Council, AtkinsRéalis and Jons. The scheme forms an important link in Monaghan’s growing Active Travel network, addressing a long-standing gap in provision for pedestrians, particularly school children, and cyclists at the existing Ballyalbany Bridge.
The new bridge accommodates all pedestrians and southbound cyclists, while northbound cyclists continue to use the existing bridge in a mixed-traffic arrangement. This has reduced conflicts between vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic while improving safety, comfort and accessibility for all users. The scheme also included a raised crossing and junction improvements at the entrance to Coolshannagh Walk Residential Estate, enhancing pedestrian priority and overall road safety.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- New 15.75m dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Blackwater River, independent of the existing structure.
- Over 100m of upgraded Active Travel infrastructure along Coolshannagh Road.
- Raised crossing and junction improvements at the Coolshannagh Walk Residential Estate entrance.
- Significant lighting upgrades on the bridge approaches and over the new bridge, improving visibility and user safety.
- Protection of the existing bridge and preservation of its historic fabric through minimal intervention and maintaining the concept of reversibility.
- Enhanced connections between residential areas, schools, churches and Monaghan Town Centre.
- Integration with existing and planned Active Travel infrastructure, supporting sustainable transport and modal shift.
Project Benefits realised:
- Provides a safe, direct and coherent crossing for vulnerable road users.
- Removes conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular traffic on the narrow existing bridge.
- Improves accessibility through enhanced gradients, route continuity and crossing facilities.
- Creates a valuable recreational and leisure amenity for the local community.
Post-construction monitoring has demonstrated that the bridge is operating as intended, with pedestrians using the new crossing exclusively and cyclists distributing between the new and existing bridges in accordance with the design arrangement. The scheme represents a significant investment in sustainable transport within Monaghan Town, improving connectivity, encouraging active travel and supporting healthier and more sustainable travel choices for the local community.
