'Two extraordinary sights'- Landmark project being built in Irish city marks major milestone

Waterford county council has recently shared photographs of the early stages of a new bridge being built in Waterford City.

The landmark project will improve transportation throughout the city, providing a connection between the city centre to the North Quays development.

"The skyline along the River Suir has transformed with the arrival of two extraordinary sights – the towering HEBO 9 floating crane and the first set of bridge spans for Waterford’s new Sustainable Transport Bridge," Waterford County Council said in a recent statement.

"Towed by the aptly named Dutch Power, the HEBO 9 made its entrance in fine weather, the yellow gantry rising high above the horizon as it berthed at Frank Cassin Wharf. One of the most powerful floating cranes in Europe, the HEBO 9 is specially equipped to handle ultra-heavy lifting with extreme precision – and it will play a central role in the delicate installation process."

"The following day, the GPS Avenger arrived upriver towing a barge laden with the first bridge spans, fabricated in Belgium and shipped across the North Sea. Sleek, and factory-finished, these spans represent the physical link between Waterford’s bustling city centre and the transformative North Quays development."

Together, these arrivals mark a major milestone in the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, a nationally significant regeneration scheme supported by the Government of Ireland and delivered by Waterford City & County Council, the NTA and BAM.

"We encourage the public to enjoy the spectacle safely from recommended viewing points such as William Vincent Wallace Plaza, and to follow Waterford City & County Council, BAM and the Port of Waterford on social media for daily updates."

In the early hours of Sunday May 19, the GPS Avenger arrived on the River Suir, towing the first set of spans for Waterford’s new Sustainable Transport Bridge, Waterford county council said.

"The Cypriot-flagged tug, purpose-built for long-distance marine towage, navigated the estuary in spectacular weather, with its cargo destined to transform Waterford’s North Quays," the county council added.

In a statement, Waterford county council said:

"The bridge spans are now positioned at Frank Cassin Wharf where the HEBO 9 floating crane awaits the lifting and installation phase...."

"The bridge, a centrepiece of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, will provide a connection between Waterford’s city centre and the new North Quays development. Still to come are the final spans, en route aboard the tug Anteos, completing the picture before installation begins."

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"Keep following for updates as this landmark project continues to unfold," the county council added.

According to Irishcycle.com," the new bridge will provide pedestrian and cycling access from Waterford City Centre to the North Quays development and the city’s relocated train station."

"The bridge was built in Belgium where it was made by specialist bridge maker Victor Buyck Steel Construction NV at their workshops in Eeklo and Wondelgem," Irishcycle.com added.