Donegore Footbridge over M2 Motorway

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A narrow reinforced concrete pedestrian bridge which spans the M2 motorway to link Donegore with Loughanmore. Designed in a modern style, with some board-marked surfaces to the concrete and surmounted by plain steel railings, it arcs elegantly over the motorway from north to south before taking a dynamic loop as it spirals round to reach the lower level of land on the Loughanmore side.

SETTING: It stands in a very rural area on slightly sloping ground reached by a cul-de-sac at each end, and surrounded by grassy fields.

Historical information

Built c 1967-8 when the M2 motorway was established. It was constructed at the behest of Major MacKean of Loughanmore House to maintain the easy access between the Loughanmore estate and Donegore for his farmworkers and livestock.
It is believed that the consultant structural engineers for the bridge were Scott, Wilson and Kirkpatrick.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

This is a good example of 20th century engineering design which forms a conspicuous element in the landscape.