Key metrics
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single-span Warren truss
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lower whole-life carbon
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of Co2 saved
For people walking and cycling in Craigavon, the Moylinn footbridge is more than a structure; it is a vital connection across the A3 road and a key part of the Black Paths Cycle Network that required renewal following years of use and exposure to the elements.
The Moylinn Footbridge Replacement Project restored that link, improving safety and strengthening connectivity for local communities. Amey was appointed as project lead, working closely with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland from early development through to delivery.
At a glance
- Used by +150 pedestrians and cyclists each day, the bridge provides a safe, accessible crossing that reconnects residential areas and local schools, restoring a key link in the Black Paths Cycle Network
- Amey’s design team delivered a 45m single‑span steel Warren truss, removing the need for intermediate supports to eliminate vehicle impact risk and improve long‑term resilience
- The single‑span design reduces maintenance requirements, maximising durability and whole‑life performance while lowering long‑term risk for the asset owner
- The scheme introduced fluoropolymer paint technology as the bridge topcoat, the first highways project in Northern Ireland to use this system which helped to extend the interval for first major maintenance by up to 60 years
- Delivered within a £750,000 budget, the project delivered strong value for money — achieving around 65% lower whole-life carbon and an estimated saving of 50 tonnes of Co2
When a vital crossing reached the end of its life
The original Moylinn Footbridge, a 1970s post-tensioned concrete structure, had reached the end of its serviceable life. Significant structural deterioration and rising maintenance demands meant the bridge was no longer a sustainable asset to operate. Yet as a key link in the Black Paths Cycle Network, it played an important role in everyday life: providing pedestrian and cycle connectivity across the A3 and connecting residential communities with local schools, amenities and the Craigavon Lakes recreational area. Its closure had an immediate impact on daily users, local wellbeing and sustainable travel routes.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) needed a safe, modern replacement that met current accessibility requirements, supported growing active travel demand, and could be delivered with minimal disruption to the community during construction. Just as importantly, the replacement needed to be durable and future-ready – reducing whole-life costs and carbon impact in line with Northern Ireland’s sustainability objectives.
As project lead, Amey was responsible for developing the concept design, technical specification and supervising the Design & Build contract. That meant balancing structural efficiency with buildability, safety and long-term maintenance considerations, including the challenge of achieving a long-span solution that could be fabricated offsite and installed quickly, minimising traffic impacts on the A3 dual carriageway. The goal wasn’t simply to replace a bridge, but to deliver a resilient, future-proof asset that strengthens community connectivity and provides long-term value.
Engineering expertise, early collaboration and a focus on sustainability
Amey’s approach brought together bridge engineering expertise, early collaboration and a clear focus on whole-life sustainability. From the outset, the priority was to deliver a resilient, future-ready crossing that could be built safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to the A3 and the surrounding community. The design team developed an efficient 45m single-span steel Warren truss concept, selected for its structural performance, straightforward fabrication and suitability for rapid installation. Removing intermediate supports also reduced long-term risk and maintenance burden which helped to improve durability over the lifecycle of the asset.
To support delivery certainty and reduce on-site exposure, the scheme adopted an off-site construction methodology. This helped to improve quality control for both the steel superstructure and concrete elements while shortening the time spent working in a live highway environment. This approach strengthened safety for the workforce, reduced disruption for road users, and helped manage the programme effectively.
Innovation was built in where it delivered clear, long-term value. Amey’s specification introduced a fluoropolymer coating system, used for the first time on a highways structure in Northern Ireland, which is designed to significantly extend maintenance intervals and reducing whole-life carbon impact with fewer future interventions.
Throughout construction phase of the project, Amey provided technical assurance and maintained a strong grip on quality and risk. Through inspections, stakeholder coordination and proactive issue management, we ensured accessibility, user safety and maintainability remained central as the design moved into delivery. Close and continuous collaboration with the client, FP McCann, designers and fabricators kept the programme on track. This also helped to identify risks early and maintain a shared focus on quality, value and community outcomes to enable the delivery of a high-performing asset built to last.
A resilient, future-ready crossing
The completed Moylinn Footbridge has restored a vital active travel link across the A3, reconnecting communities and enabling safe daily journeys for more than 150 pedestrians and cyclists. The new crossing provides a safer, fully accessible route between the residential and school communities of Drumgar and Tullygally and the leisure, health and recreational facilities at Craigavon Lakes. In doing so, it strengthens local connectivity, supports healthier travel choices, and improves day-to-day safety for those walking and cycling.
The 45m single-span design removes the need for intermediate supports, improving sightlines and eliminating risks associated with the previous arrangement. This also reduces maintenance demands and supports long-term reliability by simplifying the structure and lowering the likelihood of future intervention.
The scheme also delivered significant whole-life benefits through the introduction of the fluoropolymer coating system. As a result, the project achieved approximately 65% lower whole-life carbon, delivering an estimated saving of 50 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to around a 30% reduction in structure-related embodied and whole-life carbon. Maintenance intervals have been extended by up to 60 years, reducing future inspection and refurbishment needs and helping to lower whole-life costs by around 50%.
Delivered within the £750,000 budget, the project demonstrates strong fiscal value, achieved through efficient design, off-site fabrication and a streamlined installation approach. Through close collaboration between Amey, DfI, FP McCann and the wider project team, the project was delivered efficiently, with risks managed effectively and delivery kept on track and budget throughout. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with users highlighting improved safety and accessibility. For DfI, the bridge provides a durable, low-maintenance asset with strong whole-life performance and reduced operational impact.
Overall, the project stands as a practical example of how collaborative delivery and targeted innovation can deliver high-quality, future-ready active travel infrastructure that supports safer, healthier environments for local people.