Waterford North Quays

Spanning the Suir: Landmark Sustainable Transport Bridge installation complete in Waterford

The Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford is now fully installed, marking a major milestone in the journey toward a more connected and climate-friendly future. Stretching across the River Suir, the new bridge links the city centre with the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) and represents a transformative investment in sustainable infrastructure.

The story of the install began on Saturday, 17th May 2025, as Waterford awoke to the impressive sight of the HEBO Lift 9 floating sheerleg crane arriving at Frank Cassin Wharf, towed from Ghent in Belgium, via Dunmore East, by the Dutch Power tug. With a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a reach of 67 metres, the crane was key to the precise installation of the bridge’s four prefabricated spans.

Over the following days, two specialist marine barges, the GPS Avenger and ANTEOS, delivered the spans of the bridge superstructure, each one carefully positioned and staged for installation. The spans had been fabricated in Belgium and transported by sea, as part of a carefully choreographed international operation.

Following safety checks and tide-dependent planning, the first lift took place on 21st May. The North Main span, weighing over 500 tonnes and measuring 65 metres in length, was manoeuvred into place and temporarily supported by steel frames pending full integration with the concrete piers. The following day, the South Main span was successfully lifted and aligned, with hundreds of onlookers gathering along the South Quays to witness the dramatic operation.

Bad weather forced a brief pause in operations, but work resumed on 27th May. Over the next two days, the final two spans – the North and South Approach spans – were installed, completing the deck of the Sustainable Transport Bridge.

This new river crossing is more than a civil engineering feat; it represents Waterford’s shift toward sustainable transport solutions. The bridge will support pedestrian and cycling connections between the city centre and the evolving North Quays area, helping to reduce reliance on cars and encourage active travel.

The project is also a testament to successful collaboration. From marine logistics and port coordination, to aerial filming and public engagement, partners including Waterford City & County Council, BAM, the Port of Waterford, and local drone operator Peter Grogan worked together to deliver this significant phase on schedule and with safety at the forefront.

Aerial footage captured throughout the installation has been shared across official Council channels, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complexity and precision involved.

The Sustainable Transport Bridge Waterford is a defining element of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, and its completion signals the beginning of the next chapter in the city’s growth.

Video:  Waterford City and County Council / Peter Grogan

Yesterday (May 27th) the installation of the Southern Approach span of the Sustainable Transport Bridge took place.

Today, Wednesday 28th May, the HEBO Lift 9 crane will lift the final span (Northern Approach span) from the barge, manoeuvre into position with installation expected to take place at approximately 8pm this evening.

As with an operation of this scale there is an abundance of caution and lift and installation times may be subject to change.

Please be advised:

• 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.
• Waterford City is within controlled airspace and a 200 metre safety exclusion zone from bridge operations applies – authorised drone flights only.
• Please do not enter active work zones, wharves, or construction areas.

The next lift of the Sustainable Transport Bridge (southern approach span) is expected to take place tomorrow, Tuesday May 27^th.

There is an abundance of caution for an operation of this scale, and lift times are contingent on weather conditions which are being monitored closely, and lift times may be subject to change.

Please be advised:

• 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.
• Waterford City is within controlled airspace and a 200 metre safety exclusion zone from bridge operations applies – authorised drone flights only.
• Please do not enter active work zones, wharves, or construction areas.

The first two sections of the new bridge as part of the Waterford North Quays project have been successfully lifted into place. There will now be a pause before the last two sections are lifted into place awaiting favourable weather conditions. Health and safety is the highest priority for all those working on this project.

Today marks another milestone in Waterford’s Sustainable Transport Bridge completeion.  With a calm river and cooperative skies, the second span of the Sustainable Transport Bridge, the central mid section, has been lifted and placed into position by the sheerleg HEBO 9 crane.

This operation is the result of precise coordination between BAM, Waterford City and County Council, the Port of Waterford, and marine traffic authorities. Carried upriver by barge, the span’s arrival was a spectacle in itself, witnessed and captured by our local drone operator Peter Grogan, whose footage will form part of a special feature on RTÉ Nationwide later this summer.

As part of a multi-day installation programme, today’s lift brings the vision of a walkable, cyclable link between the North and South Quays another step closer. With the imposing HEBO crane and support vessels like the Anteos working in tandem, the sight of this massive structure being lowered with millimetre precision was nothing short of amazing.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for daily aerial updates and viewing guidance. The final spans are not far behind.

Big moment on site today — the first bridge span has now been lifted into place!

Check out the latest photos capturing this milestone on our socials or our gallery at https://bit.ly/WNQ-Photography.

It’s a huge step forward and a great glimpse at the scale and precision of the work happening behind the scenes.

We’re not done yet – the next lift is scheduled for tomorrow morning, depending on weather, tides, and all the usual conditions. Keep watching this space, and stay tuned to see it all unfold.  Best viewing to be had from the South Quays and WVW Plaza.

The first span of the North Quays Sustainable Transport Bridge is in the process of being lifted and positioned this week. Subject to conditions, the plan involves lifting the spans from their barges at Frank Cassin Wharf and transporting them upriver for installation at the bridge site.

Works are expected to continue over the course of the 4 days, with installation scheduled after the spans arrive at final position. Each lift and installation phase requires several hours and is dependent on weather, tides, daylight and coordination with river traffic.

A 200-metre safety exclusion zone is in effect around the work site during these operations. Drone flights within this zone are not permitted during lift and installation times, as they may interfere with ongoing work. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.

The arrival of the Hebo Lift 9 sheerleg crane and the four Sustainable Transport Bridge spans are a milestone for Waterford’s North Quays Public Infrastructure Project.

From Ghent in Belgium to #Waterford, Ireland’s Oldest City, watch the journey unfold!

With the arrival of the impressive Hebo 9 floating sheerleg crane and the four spans of the Sustainable Transport Bridge, it is anticipated that once the sheerleg and barges are derigged and mobilised the lifting and installation of the bridge sections will proceed on Wednesday, May 21^st.  The installation operations on the river are being coordinated with 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^st – North Main Span (c.65m in length)
• Thursday, May 22^nd – South Main Span (c.65m in length)
• Friday, May 23^rd – North Approach span (c. 35m in length)
• Saturday, May 24^th – South Approach span (c.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, 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 SDZ by Harcourt Developments will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026.

About the Bridge Superstructure:

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.

Key Safety messages:

Please remember 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.

*All installation operations are dictated by tides for safety reasons and therefore are subject to change.