The main structure of Dublin's newest bridge has left Rotterdam and is expected to arrive in the capital on Thursday.

The Samuel Beckett bridge will link the northside and southside of the city over the River Liffey in the Docklands area.

The bridge has been designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Dr Santiago Calatrava Valls, who also designed the James Joyce Bridge. He has created a landmark structure with a curved profile leaning northwards. This dramatic shape gives the appearance of a harp lying on it's side.

The bridge is being constructed by Graham Hollandia Joint Venture. Graham Construction have carried out a number of major projects including Taney Bridge in Dundrum. Hollandia have completed many high profile works such as the London Eye.

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The bridge will have four traffic lanes, with cycle tracks and footpaths on either side. It will also be capable of opening through an angle of 90 degrees allowing ships to pass through. This will be achieved through a rotational mechanism housed in the base of the pylon.

The bridge is a cable-stayed, steel box girder structure with a span of 120 metres between north and south quay walls. An asymmetric shape will be provided through the positioning of the pylon outside the navigation channel at a point approximately 28 metres from the south quay.

The central axis of the bridge is aligned with Guild Street on the northern side of the River Liffey and ot will cross the river at right angles to connect with Sir John Rogerson's Quay at a location approximately 70 metres west of Cardiff Lane.

The total cost of the project will come in at just under €60m, which includes a major upgrade of the approach roads.

The bridge is expected to be opened to traffic early next year.

(GK/JM)