The new Luas bridge at Spencer Dock in Dublin has been officially opened.

Spencer Dock Bridge is the principal structure along the LUAS Red Line C1 extension to the Point Depot which is scheduled to open this winter.

It will carry the LUAS across the Royal Canal and along Mayor Street.

Designs allowed Spencer Dock to be restored to its original width so the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, who have contributed to the cost of the bridge, can construct an urban linear park on either side of the canal bank.

The location of the bridge is immediately adjacent to the National Conference Centre and within close proximity to the new Samuel Beckett Bridge.

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In addition to the new Luas line the bridge will carry vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Spanning some 40 metres over the Royal Canal and averaging 25 metres in width meant the installation of the track was particularly challenging.

Rails had to be suspended from special frames to enable the reinforced concrete in the track areas to be completed.

John Bruder, Managing Director, Treasury Holdings Ireland welcomed the opening of the new bridge as an exciting development.

He said: "The vision we had for Spencer Dock is becoming a reality and the ongoing development of our docklands is vital if we are to continue to create exciting city spaces which rank alongside the best city spaces and developments internationally."

Paul Maloney, Chief Executive of the Docklands Authority said that the bridge was an important infrastructural element of the expanding Docklands area.

"Once opened the Spencer Dock Bridge and the new Luas line will make a huge difference, allowing people much better access to developments in the Docklands area, particularly the Convention Centre and, of course, the 02".

(PR/JM)