New sustainable transport bridge installed in Waterford City
A new sustainable transport bridge has been installed in Waterford City.
The 207-metre-long movable pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Suir is the centrepiece of a €200 million Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project.
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It was designed by Knight Architects in collaboration with Roughan & O'Donovan as lead Engineer and Hardesty & Hanover as M&E Engineer.
The bridge was commissioned by Waterford City & County Council, constructed by BAM and will open to the public in 2026.
The Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project is Ireland's largest urban regeneration initiative.
The bridge pays tribute to the city's trading legacy and its deep-rooted connection to the River Suir.
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The structure's curves and faceted steel superstructure takes inspiration from Waterford's celebrated tradition of crystal glassware, while its twin-leaf bascule span ensures continued navigability of the river for marine traffic.
Photo: Waterford City and County Council/Peter Grogan
Above each of the feature piers, the bridge deck widens to form viewing platforms, furnished with seating to invite pause and reflection over the Suir and its evolving surroundings.
The bridge is to facilitate pedestrians and cyclists, forming a new section of urban greenway that ultimately links the Waterford to Dungarvan and Waterford to New Ross Greenways.
Its design is also future-proofed to facilitate a future electric shuttle bus connecting the north and south quays.
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The architects designed an urban area at the South Plaza landing site with numerous surfaces to help guide pedestrians and cyclists in the right direction to ensure efficient movement on the bridge coupled with safe transitions at the end.
Director of Knight Architects, Tom Osborne, said that the bridge does more than just connect two sides of a river.
'It connects the past with the future, catalysing the transformation of Ireland's oldest city whilst responding sensitively to its historic cultural and urban context.
'It represents a bold and forward-looking investment in the city's future and will act as a key enabler for the North Quays development, bringing new homes, jobs and cultural offerings to Waterford,' Mr Osborne said.
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