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20/09/2004
Footbridge re-opens five decades after being built
A £135,000 replacement footbridge has been opened in Ballymena almost five decades after the idea was first conceived.
The original bridge, named after Councillor William McNinch, was built by Ballymena Borough council, in 1957, to cut the journey time from Harryville into the town centre. It is now an important link to the Braid Retail Park.
Councillor McNinch's granddaughter, Wyllis Wiltshire, who now lives in South Africa, had returned home to visit relatives in Ballymena and was asked to open the new bridge by Roads Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Dr Andrew Murray.
Dr Murray said the new bridge provides ramps, lighting and improved access and safety for everyone, particularly those with a disability and for prams.
Local dignitaries, members of the McNinch family and representatives from John Graham, (Dromore), who constructed the bridge, attended the opening.
The scheme to replace the original McNinch Bridge was completed after five months of work.
(MB)
The original bridge, named after Councillor William McNinch, was built by Ballymena Borough council, in 1957, to cut the journey time from Harryville into the town centre. It is now an important link to the Braid Retail Park.
Councillor McNinch's granddaughter, Wyllis Wiltshire, who now lives in South Africa, had returned home to visit relatives in Ballymena and was asked to open the new bridge by Roads Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Dr Andrew Murray.
Dr Murray said the new bridge provides ramps, lighting and improved access and safety for everyone, particularly those with a disability and for prams.
Local dignitaries, members of the McNinch family and representatives from John Graham, (Dromore), who constructed the bridge, attended the opening.
The scheme to replace the original McNinch Bridge was completed after five months of work.
(MB)
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