A custom-made steel collar has been fixed to the central pier of Blackglen road bridge over the M50 in south Co Dublin, after a routine inspection found the structure was showing wear.
Blackglen Bridge carries traffic over the M50 at Ballinteer near Junction 13 and links residential and commercial areas in Sandyford and the surrounding area.
The 97m-long, two‑span concrete bridge was constructed in 2000.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said “during a principle inspection of Blackglen Bridge, wear was observed in the upper portion of the central pier. Following a more detailed special inspection, it was determined that structural strengthening would be required.”
RM Block
Structural engineers Roughan and O’Donovan and TII selected a custom-made, high‑strength, stainless‑steel collar, which TII confirmed has now been fitted to the central pillar.
TII spokesman Sean O’Neill said the cost of the work was part of the authority’s overall maintenance programme and cost “in the region of €400,000”.
O’Neill said the work “was to maintain the 120-year lifespan of a bridge structure which has taken significant daily usage over the last few decades”.
