First images of new Waterford bridge revealed as installation continues
With the arrival of the impressive Hebo 9 floating sheerleg crane and the four spans of the sustainable transport bridge earlier this week, it was anticipated that once the sheerleg and barges were derigged and mobilised, the lifting and installation of the bridge sections would proceed successfully on Wednesday.
The installation operations on the river are being coordinated with the Port of Waterford and are dictated by tides and therefore are subject to change. The Hebo 9 sheerleg crane will lift each bridge section from its barge at Frank Cassin Wharf and transport it upstream to its installation position at the bridge. This process will be coordinated with the tidal cycle on the river.
Temporary support frames that have been constructed in the river will initially support the sections pending their final integration into the permanent supporting piers.
Safety is of paramount importance and the lifting operation has very precise safety protocols requiring very slow and methodical progress with constant checks and monitoring during the operation.
The four lifts will be carried out over four days: Wednesday, May 21 – North Main Span (65m in length), Thursday, May 22 – South Main Span (65m in length), Friday, May 23 – North Approach span (35m in length), and Saturday, May 24 – South Approach span (35m in length)
Bascule bridge
Like Rice Bridge upstream, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, and smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides.
The inclusion of this opening central span retains potential for future upstream river transport as well as opportunities for maritime events and festivals, including a possible return of the Tall Ships Festival.
These types of vertical opening bridges are called 'bascule bridges', from the French term for a balance scale, and originated in medieval Europe as drawbridges to defend castles and towns. Whereas Rice Bridge is a 'single leaf' bascule bridge, which opens from one side of the central span, the new bridge is a 'double leaf' bascule bridge, which opens from both sides of the central span.
Once the bridge is installed, the bascule leaves for the opening central span will be tested and put into operation, the bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system.
The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the strategic development zone (SDZ) by Harcourt Developments will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in the last three months of 2026.
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The bridge superstructure weighs over 1,000 tonnes, roughly the equivalent of the weight of three Boeing 747 jets laden with fuel on take-off. The bridge is being transported and installed in four sections. The heaviest section is over 500 tonnes, roughly equivalent to the weight of one Boeing 747.
The bridge sections will be lifted into position by the HEBO 9 floating sheerleg crane from Rotterdam. This crane has a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a lifting height of 67m, which is similar to a 20-storey building.
At 207m, the bridge will be one of the longest city centre pedestrian river crossings in Ireland. The Sean O'Casey Bridge in Dublin, which also has a central opening span is 98m long. The new Athlone greenway bridge that crosses the Shannon is 104m long.
The steel deck is painted with a light grey matt finish. The advice to onlookers is to remember that this is a construction operation without precedent in Waterford.
The best public vantage point is William Vincent Wallace Plaza, directly overlooking the River Suir and bridge alignment. This location is safe, central, and accessible, with clear views of barge movements, crane lifts, and installation activities. Only designated, approved drone operators are permitted to fly in this zone during the sustainable transport bridge installation window.
Installation is not a single 'big lift'. It will take four days to complete so there are plenty of opportunities to view the process. Please do not enter active work zones, wharves, or construction areas, added a spokesperson.
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