Roadworks, closures and North Quays SDZ updates in Waterford
Transport Hub with set down area in the foreground..jpg
At the September meeting of the Piltown Municipal District, councillors heard about the latest works along the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).
Director of Services for Kilkenny County Council, Ian Gardner presented the updates at the meeting held in Ferrybank Library.
The Sustainable Transport bridge was opened for the first time on July 11. The report stated that: 'Works are continuing on the bridge, with welding of the deck sections, pouring of the fixed integral pier connections and final commissioning of the mechanical and electrical systems for the bascule spans.
'The final installation of the river pier protection systems and navigation aids is also ongoing. Over the coming six months the bridge finishing works will be completed (parapet railings, barriers, surfacing, lighting, street furniture etc.).'
According to the report, the main road surfacing works are substantially complete, and paving works on the new plaza are 75 % complete. The plaza works are expected to be 'substantially complete' by the last quarter of this year.
Works are progressing on the train station building and platforms, including: roofing, glazing, cladding, rendering, lighting, internal fit-out, and plumbing.
According to the report, the footbridge and ramp between the Dock Road to the Sustainable Transport Bridge is 'taking shape'.
The report continued: 'The northern entrance and set-down plaza area are also progressing well, including entrance steps, kerbing, paving, bus and car lay-bys, walkway canopy etc.'
Irish Rail is consulting on the works for the flood defence scheme. The report stated: 'The western flood defence works commenced on August 25 with agreed bus transfers operating between Kilkenny and Waterford for off-peak commuter train services, Monday to Thursday for a 26-week period (excl. December 2025). A Part 8 Planning application for relocation of the flood defence pump stations commenced in July.'
The CE Report will be presented to Waterford's Metropolitan Council for a decision on September 18.
The project has significantly altered the traffic going in and out of Ferrybank. At this stage, road traffic management is focused primarily on Fountain Street and Dock, in order to facilitate structural works in the area.
On Abbey Road, works are nearing completion with permanent lighting, street furniture and greenway access ramps to be finished in the coming weeks. The works will involve cooperation with Waterford City and County Council (WCCC).
"The completion of the greenway ramp as well as snagging checks and safety audits in the Abbey Road area could enable the sectional opening of the 6km section of greenway from Abbey Road to Curraghmore. Waterford City & County Council will continue to consult with Wexford and Kilkenny County Council’s on the potential timelines for any sectional opening."
The final road surfacing works for Dock Road and Rockshire Road are to be carried out later this month. This will involve nighttime road lane closures (from 8pm to 6am) from the September 15 to 19, and September 22 to 25.
The Council commented: "Every effort is being made to minimise the associated traffic disruption, and in advance of the works, traffic management details will be publicised on radio, to local stakeholders, on variable messaging signs and all WCCC social media channels."
Harcourt Developments are set to begin the first stage of the mixed-use development in the coming months. The earliest proposed date for the opening of the Sustainable Transport Bridge is early 2027.
The report ended: 'It is anticipated that Harcourt Developments will commence Phase One of the approved SDZ mixed use development in the coming months. The integration works required at the interfaces with the transport hub, sustainable transport bridge, Abbey Road and Dock Road will be fast-tracked as part of this construction to facilitate the earliest possible opening of the transport hub and bridge in early 2027.
"In the meantime, the railway flood defence works will be completed in 2026 as the final part of the public infrastructure works.'
