River Suir Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford now one step closer to completion

The River Suir Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford has just reached a critical phase in its construction. The superstructure bridge deck parts have now been successfully installed. 

The bridge, which was designed by Knight Architects in collaboration with Roughan & O'Donovan as lead Engineer and Hardesty & Hanover as M&E Engineer, is a 207m-long pedestrian and cycle bridge. It is the centrepiece of the €200 million Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project, Ireland’s largest urban regeneration initiative.

The bridge is planned to open to the public in 2026, creating a vital travel connection across the River Suir which will link the city centre to the Strategic Development Zone at the North Quays. 

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The project has been commissioned by Waterford City and County Council and constructed by BAM with the hopes of encouraging private-sector regeneration in the area, including new homes, offices, hospitality and public amenities. 

The bridge has been designed for multi-modal use, facilitating pedestrians and cyclists as well as forming a new section of urban greenway that will link the Waterford to Dungarvan and Waterford to New Ross Greenways.

The bridge design has also been future proofed to facilitate a future electric shuttle bus connecting the north and south quays.

Commenting on the completion of this phase of the bridge's installation, Tom Osborne, Director at Knight Architects, said: "This bridge does far more than connect two sides of a river. It connects the past with the future, catalysing the transformation of Ireland’s oldest city whilst responding sensitively to its historic cultural and urban context.

"It represents a bold and forward-looking investment in the city's future and will act as a key enabler for the North Quays development, bringing new homes, jobs and cultural offerings to Waterford. It’s been a privilege to help shape a structure that so clearly demonstrates the value of sustainable, people-centred infrastructure."