The Department for Infrastructure closed the Maple Path and Parkmore footbridges in Craigavon on Thursday, 4 June 2026, after detailed engineering inspections identified structural concerns. The bridges will remain shut while a permanent solution is developed.

Signposted alternative walking routes are in place, though the department acknowledged these may increase journey times for some users. It apologised for the disruption and recognised the bridges' importance to the local community.

Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson said the closures would hit residents hard, cutting off well-used routes to Craigavon Lakes and local amenities. He noted a new footbridge had recently been installed at Moylinn after a similar unplanned closure and called for urgent answers from Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins on restoring the links.

Sinn Féin councillors Catherine Nelson and Jude Mallon expressed deep concern about the impact on daily life. Nelson said the bridges are a key part of Craigavon's off-road network, serving pedestrians, cyclists and families. Mallon stressed that public safety must come first but said clarity on next steps is needed. They have arranged a briefing with department officials to discuss options and timelines.

The department stated that as infrastructure assets age, replacement becomes unavoidable when safety issues arise or structures reach the end of their service life. It said further information on future proposals will be released as work progresses and thanked the public for its patience.