WATCH: Spectacular footage of new Tipperary bridge released to mark opening of bypass

One of the largest transport projects to be undertaken in the Mid-West in recent years was opened this Thursday.

The Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme, will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill.

The entire scheme, which cost nearly €90 million, is approximately 6.2km and the new bridge crosses the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River on the R494. 

Decades of traffic congestion in the twin communities of Killaloe/Ballina will be significantly reduced by the bypass.

Last year it was revealed that a number of viewing platforms have been constructed at each bridge pier along the shared cycleway which forms part of the new bridge.

Located on both sides of the bridge, these will act as viewing points for locals and tourists once it is opened and both cyclists and pedestrians will also be able to stop and sit down at each of the viewing points.