Work is expected to begin on an new cyclist and pedestrian bridge over the River Shannon in Athlone in the summer.

It's hoped that tenders for the building of the new cyclist and pedestrain bridge over the River Shannon in Athlone will be issued next Spring and a contractor can begin work in the summer.

The bridge will run from beside the marina and Radisson Blu hotel on the east side of the town across to the Luan Gallery on the west side.

It's expected the bridge project itself will take from 14 to 18 months to complete and that it can be opened to the public in early 2023.

Senior executive engineer with Westmeath Council Michael Kelly has been explaining more about the project...