Construction of a new bridge at Castlemaine, County Kerry nears completion.
Work on the preliminary stages of a new bridge over the River Maine at Castlemaine in County Kerry began in November 1961.
The new bridge over the river Maine has a streamlined and contemporary design. It is a complete contrast to the centuries old historic bridge close by, which is becoming increasingly unsafe for modern levels of traffic. In the early part of 1963 a portion of the old bridge collapsed.
By April 1963 work on the new Maine Bridge reaches its final stages. Some of the giant concrete beams spanning the arches are laid. The following month sees the work reaching another significant stage when the last arch is completed.
The new bridge will form an important link between north and south-west Kerry, and will provide a key route for tourists between Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula.
Traffic passed over the new bridge for the first time on 23 September 1963.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 July 1963. The footage shown here is mute.
