The new bridge to be built over the Shannon in Athlone will be one of the most significant developments on the Dublin to Galway greenway.
That's according to Westmeath Senior Executive Engineer Michael Kelly who says the bridge will provide a direct link to the historic Athlone Castle.
The engineering company that've been awarded the contract for the bridge will be establishing a compound at Munsboro Park on the 20th of this month.
Groundworks are expected to begin at the Radisson and at the Luan Gallery before the end of this year.
Michael Kelly says a counter on the greenway near the White Gates in Athlone shows between eleven and thirteen hundred people using it on a fine day.
He says when the new bridge is finished around Easter 2023 it'll provide a strategic trailhead at Athlone Castle.
