Where is the “missing link” of the sustainable transport bridge?

Last year’s monumental lifting and placing of the spans for the sustainable transport bridge caught considerable attention from the public.

There still remains however a gap between the bridge and the north quayside.

Last week, Cllr Mary Roche sought updates on what she described as “the missing link” of the sustainable transport bridge.

Acting Director of Services at Waterford City and County Council, Sean Dobbs, responded to her query, saying: “Harcourt are going through planning at the moment. We expect them to be on site later this year. They will then be building the public plaza which will be the landing point for the bridge. So they will create the landing point and the connection with Dock Road. That work will be ongoing this year, into next year.

“It will be quite an expansive public plaza.” 

Progress on the bridge 

The bascule spans of the sustainable transport bridge have been opening and closing as required to cater for Waterford's maritime traffic, and temporary structures within the river are gradually being removed, including the temporary steel supports and cofferdam piles.

The permanent bridge pier protection system in the river is due to be fully installed in the coming months.

Finishing works are advanced, and edge railings, glass panels and pedestrian barriers have been installed, with lighting, surfacing and street furniture to follow.

It is anticipated that the Sustainable Transport Bridge will open towards the end of 2027.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)