Two popular footbridges in Craigavon have been closed with immediate effect after detailed engineering inspections uncovered structural safety concerns. The Department for Infrastructure announced on Thursday that both the Maple Path and Parkmore footbridges are now shut to the public while engineers develop permanent solutions.
The closures take effect from today, 4 June 2026, disrupting key pedestrian and cycling links in the new town. Officials have signposted alternative walking routes, though these may add time to local journeys. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Northern Ireland’s ageing bridge infrastructure, with recent closures of other crossings highlighting the challenges of maintaining the region’s transport network.
Structural defects force immediate shutdown
The Department for Infrastructure stated that detailed assessments had revealed serious safety issues requiring urgent action. A spokesperson said:
“Detailed engineering inspections identified structural concerns, and it has been concluded that closure is necessary while a permanent solution is developed.”
Officials have not specified the precise nature of the structural defects—whether they involve cracks, corrosion, load-bearing failures, or other deterioration—nor have they indicated when the inspections took place. The bridges, which serve as vital connections within Craigavon’s pedestrian and cycling network, are now off-limits indefinitely.
Local impact and diverted journeys
The footbridges provide important links between residential areas and local amenities, including Craigavon Lakes, South Lakes Leisure Centre, and the Rushmere Shopping Centre. With the sudden closure, walkers and cyclists must now use alternative routes.
The Department acknowledged the inconvenience, stating:
“Alternative local walking routes are available and will be signposted where appropriate. While these routes may increase journey times for some users, they will provide access between affected areas.”
It added:
“The Department recognises the importance of both footbridges to local residents and apologises for any inconvenience caused.”
Ageing assets and replacement challenges
The closure highlights broader concerns about the condition of Northern Ireland’s infrastructure. The Department noted:
“However, as the Department’s infrastructure assets age there will always be an eventual need to replace structures that present safety issues or have come to the end of their natural lifespan.”
This latest closure follows a troubling pattern. The Moylinn East footbridge was dismantled in March 2023 due to safety concerns, leaving residents reliant on temporary routes for over two years before replacement works finally began in May 2025. That £750,000 replacement project, announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, is expected to complete in autumn 2026.
Similarly, the Kilrea Bridge over the River Bann closed in September 2025 due to retaining wall cracks and remained shut for months while temporary solutions were arranged. These delays raise questions about the Department’s capacity to deliver swift repairs amid a reported £1.2 billion backlog in road and bridge maintenance across Northern Ireland.
Unanswered questions and transparency gaps
Several critical details remain unclear from Thursday’s announcement:
- No timeline has been provided for when permanent solutions might be implemented or how long the closures will last
- The specific engineering faults have not been disclosed
- No cost estimates for repairs or replacement have been released
- Usage data—such as clicker counter statistics previously released for the Moylinn bridge under Environmental Information Regulations—has not been provided to demonstrate the footfall impact
These omissions matter for local residents planning their daily commutes and for assessing the urgency of the Department’s response. The announcement states only that “Further information on future proposals for the bridges will be provided as work progresses,” and concludes:
“The Department would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation.”
Key questions stakeholders may wish to consider include:
- Given the two-year wait experienced by residents after the Moylinn footbridge removal, what realistic timeline can communities expect before permanent replacements are delivered?
- Why did recent detailed inspections identify these issues now, and were routine maintenance checks insufficient to catch deterioration earlier?
- How many other footbridges across Craigavon’s extensive walking and cycling network are nearing the end of their operational lifespan?
- With significant maintenance backlogs, how does the Department prioritise pedestrian infrastructure against competing demands on limited budgets?
The closures serve as a reminder of the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s ageing new town infrastructure. Residents will be watching closely for concrete timelines and evidence that these latest closures will not extend into years of temporary diversions.