Waterford's North Quays project is set to reach a significant construction milestone in the coming weeks, with the arrival of the steel superstructure for the Sustainable Transport Bridge from Belgium for lifting and installation.

The bridge superstructure has been fabricated by Victor Buyck Steel Construction at its dedicated manufacturing facility in Belgium. This work has progressed in parallel with substructure construction currently underway in the River Suir. The design features a curved soffit and varying width along the span, enabling precision off-site fabrication in four separate sections.

These sections will be installed on four in-river concrete piers, which are already in place. A central bascule span has been incorporated into the bridge design to accommodate river traffic. Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems required to operate the movable span have been pre-installed by Qualter Hall (UK) at the Victor Buyck facility.

Once delivered to site in Waterford, the pre-fitted deck sections will be positioned, connected, and subjected to full mechanical commissioning and testing.

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Transport and installation logistics are being managed by Dutch contractor Hebo, specialists in complex marine operations for bridges, ports and offshore structures. The four deck sections will be transported on two barges towed by sea-going tugboats. The journey will begin at the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal and will continue through the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea before reaching the Waterford Estuary.

Transit duration is expected to be four to five days, subject to favourable weather and sea conditions. On arrival, the barges will moor at Belview Port before proceeding upstream to the installation site during high tide.

Hebo's floating sheerleg crane will also be delivered separately and deployed on-site for the lifting operations. Once mobilised, the installation of the four deck sections will be carried out over a three- to four-day period. Temporary support frames constructed in the river will hold each section in place pending final integration with the permanent piers.

Given the scale and complexity of the operation, stringent safety protocols and continuous monitoring will be enforced throughout the lifting and installation phase. On completion, the marine equipment will be demobilised and removed from site.

This phase of the public infrastructure works is progressing in advance of the adjoining Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development. Full integration between the public and private elements is essential and is being coordinated accordingly.

Accelerated delivery of interface works as part of the SDZ construction programme will enable the bridge to open to the public in Q4 2026.

For further information visit www.waterfordnorthquays.ie

Photo credit: Paul Poels Fotografie.