Bridges
Samuel Beckett Bridge
Dublin City Council commissioned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava - the world's leading bridge designer - to create the Samuel Beckett Bridge which connects the north and south sides of the River Liffey halfway between the Seán O'Casey Bridge and the East Link Bridge. The brief called for ‘a landmark structure of unmistakable modernity and with a unique character that would provide a symbol at the maritime gateway of Dublin, similar to the manner in which the Ha'penny Bridge has become an icon for the city.
A Graham Hollandia joint venture constructed the bridge superstructure in Rotterdam. The bridge was delivered to Dublin on a 90m by 26m barge. The 628-mile journey took approx five days. The entire project cost €59.95 million. Funding came from Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Dublin City Council and Dublin Docklands Development Authority. The Samuel Beckett Bridge is 120 metres long, with the curved pylon 48 metres above water level. It is cable-stayed and rests on a reinforced concrete support pier which has been constructed in the River Liffey and on abutments behind the existing quay walls. It has four traffic lanes (two running north and two running south), cycle paths and footpaths and weighs 5,700 tonnes. The bridge can rotate through an angle of 90 degrees to facilitate maritime traffic.
Officially opened to traffic on the 11th December 2009, the Samuel Beckett Bridge links Guild Street north of the Quays with Sir John Rogerson's Quay on the south.
Scherzer Bridges
It is hard to ignore the rugged beauty of the two Scherzer Bridges on the north quays, one at Custom House Quay, the other at New Wapping Street. These were constructed to a design patented by William Scherzer of Chicago and installed in 1912. The bridges operated as lock gates between the River Liffey and dock and canals beyond.
Pedestrian & Cyclist Bridges over the Royal Canal on North Wall Quay
Offically opened by The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe on 20th December 2019, this new pedestrian and cylist bridge over the Royal Canal on North Wall Quay will improve the experience of pedestrians and cyclists using the Liffey Campshires. The bridge provides segregated pathways for cyclists and pedestrians enhancing safety and accessibility for those using this popular route.
Sean O’Casey Bridge
Dublin's newest bridge, the Sean O'Casey Bridge in the Docklands was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, in 2005. The bridge provides an important link between the IFSC area in north Docklands and the Trinity College/Merrion Square areas. Architects Brian Halloran & Associates were responsible for the design of the bridge. The team also included engineers, O'Connor Sutton Cronin and contractors John Mowlem Construction Ltd who worked with the Docklands Authority and over 100 people to complete the project. The bridge was described by judges as an "elegant combination of architecture, urban planning, structure and design. It succeeds in compacting the city and feels as though it has been in existence for a long time." The Bridge received an RIAI award in 2006.
Spencer Dock Bridge
The Luas runs over the Spencer Dock Bridge at the Royal Canal which opened on Bloomsday, June 16th 2009. The Spencer Dock Bridge is the principal structure along the LUAS Red Line Docklands C1 extension to the Point Depot.
The Bridge was the recipient of an award for Best Structural Design at the LEAF Awards 2009. The Award recognised Amanda Levete, architects, for implementation of an innovative structural design solution. The conceptual design is based on the geometry of the Manta Ray fish with asymmetric pectoral fins (wings) extending out from the body of the bridge deck and reaching down towards the water level in the Royal Canal.
The 40 metre span bridge features fluid lines and an undulating concrete surface taking traffic and pedestrians across the Royal Canal.