Engineering consultant being appointed to progress new £10.4m footbridge

PLANS for a second pedestrian bridge in Strabane are progressing, with an engineering consultant due to be appointed later this month.

Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, confirmed the development in answer to a written Assembly question from Sinn Féin MLA., Maolíosa McHugh.

He had asked his party colleague 'for an update on the construction schedule of the new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Strabane'.

"The new Strabane Footbridge is an important element of the Derry and Strabane Region City Deal and will see the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to promote access to active travel in the town and enhance connectivity for both economic and recreational benefits," the Minister said.

"An Outline Business Case for the footbridge was recently approved and the current estimate for the project is £10.4m.

"It is anticipated that an engineering consultant will be appointed in October 2025 to progress the scheme development through detailed design and the statutory processes."

The bridge over the River Mourne, which will link the bus depot to the Lower Main Street area of the town, has been years in the planning and forms part of the Strabane Regeneration Scheme planned under City Deal.

It has long been viewed as an important amenity in linking the Bradley Way area with the town centre and increasing the accessibility of the town to shoppers and the bus depot.

Local representatives have persistently pressed the importance of advancing the footbridge to regenerate the town centre and increase footfall, with the structure downstream of Mourne Bridge set to be located between Lower Main Street car park and O’Nolan Park/Waterside Street.

Maolíosa McHugh welcomed the progress.

“I welcome this news from DfI Minister, Liz Kimmins, in response to a ministerial question I submitted on the issue," the West Tyrone MLA said.

“It is very welcome that this project is now progressing well.

"The new pedestrian and cycle bridge will serve to promote active travel and enhance connectivity in the town.

"It is also a key element of the overall City Deal which will see an investment of over £100m in key strategic projects for Strabane town.”