The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul Mc Auliffe, has officially opened a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Royal Canal on North Wall Quay in Dublin’s Docklands today.
A notoriously dangerous bottleneck on the Quays has now been replaced with a new bridge.
The 12 metre long structure crosses the Royal Canal near the Convention Centre and has two segregated paths for walkers and cyclists.
The National Transport Authority provided funding for the project. Speaking about the opening, the Lord Mayor said, “It is my pleasure to open this much anticipated new twin bridge which will makes journeys safer and more enjoyable for those people who use this busy route. This crossing was previously a bottleneck for all traffic using this route and this new bridge is a welcome solution for all users.”
While attending the ceremony local Dublin Central TD, Minister Donohoe TD said: ‘If we want to encourage people to use alternative forms of transport and to leave the car at home we must provide the appropriate infrastructure and motivate them to do that. These new bridges offer safe access routes for cyclist and pedestrians and builds on the existing pathways for both users along this central location’.
Cyclist and pedestrian activity has increased dramatically in this area in recent years and the Docklands’ population is expected to increase over the coming years with developments under the Strategic Development Zone Plans. The bridge will also form an integral part of the longer-term Liffey Cycle Way project.
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: “I am delighted to represent the National Transport Authority at the opening of this new pedestrian and cycling bridge. Cycling and walking are both sustainable methods of transport that the NTA is dedicated to funding and supporting as part of our commitment to the Climate Action Plan. With more pedestrians and cyclists, we can reduce both our carbon footprint and the congestion in our city centre.”
Speaking about the bridge, City Engineer John Flanagan said, “The new twin bridge has been carefully designed to have minimum impact on the historic Scherzer bridges. Each section has distinct individual steel structures, separated from the historic Scherzer bridges, and respects the integrity of the finely crafted quay walls.”
.@LordMayorDublin @PaulMcauliffe opened a new pedestrian & cyclist bridge over the Royal Canal on North Wall Quay today, alongside @Paschald & Anne Graham, NTA. This eagerly awaited bridge will improve the experience for all people using the Liffey Campshires. pic.twitter.com/rg27rCuMQb
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) December 20, 2019
