Waterford prepares for arrival of transport bridge superstructure

The sustainable transport bridge superstructure is undergoing its final mechanical and electrical installations, surveys, inspections and certification in the Victor Buyck factory in Ghent, Belgium ahead of its transportation to Waterford.

The superstructure will be transported by sea in four sections on ocean going barges and towed by tugboats. In tandem, a large sheerleg crane will arrive by sea from Rotterdam to lift the bridge sections in place. 

The News & Star attended a meeting of the Piltown Municipal District earlier this month, where elected members were told that the bridge would be transported from Belgium to Waterford in May.

Once the bridge is installed the central opening spans will be tested and commissioned and the final bridge finishing works will continue for the remainder of 2025. 

These works will include the installation of bridge parapets, lighting, surface finishes, street furniture, pedestrian barriers, and installation of the downstream pier protection system.

"The transport of the deck sections by sea and their installation on site pose a significant engineering and logistical challenge" the official project newsletter outlined

"Due to the withdrawal of the original private developer from the project in 2020, the timing of the private commercial development and the public infrastructure are no longer aligned. 

"The construction of the public infrastructure is progressing on programme, and ahead of the private development. Therefore, it will not be possible to open the new bridge to the public until some initial integration works have been completed by Harcourt Developments to create a safe route through their construction site to Dock Road. 

"It is anticipated that the required works will be complete by the end of 2026, enabling the opening of the bridge to the public."