Narrow Water Bridge project reaches key engineering stage

Temporary structures designed by Belfast firm AM Consulting Engineers (AMCE) now extend into the Newry river from both banks at Narrow Water, marking a key milestone in the construction of the €102 million Narrow Water Bridge. For the first time, passersby can get a sense of how the long-awaited bridge will eventually span the river, with the new 65m structures reaching out from each bank.

The work, led by main contractor BAM Ireland, represents a significant engineering achievement on the cross-border infrastructure project connecting Counties Down and Louth. The new structures consist of a framework of piles installed by Co. Down firm Quinn Piling, topped with heavy-duty steel beams, known as a fixed-span skid track, provided by Sarens. A gap has been left visible in the centre of the new framework to allow the barge that will carry the bridge's three sections to move into position, with each section to be carefully lowered from the barge onto the tracks before being moved into its final position.

The barge carrying the two major bridge sections and a 98.6m pylon is due to arrive at Warrenpoint Harbour from Belgium in early 2027. The sections, weighing a total of 2245 tonnes, will then be transported upriver, and when tidal conditions are right, will be floated into position before being transferred onto AMCE's bespoke skid track system and rolled and jacked into place ahead of construction of the permanent cable-stayed structure.

When complete, the new Narrow Water Bridge will consist of a 138m cable-stayed deck, a 98.6m cable-stayed pylon and a 56m opening span over the navigable channel of the River Newry for boats to pass through all the way up to the Albert Basin in Newry city. The bridge is a flagship initiative under the Shared Island Fund and has been designed to accommodate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Paul McGreevy, Director of Structures at AM Consulting Engineers, said reaching the milestone was significant for the project team. "After many months of detailed design, coordination and engineering analysis between AMCE and the main contractor team at BAM, seeing the new structure in place on the River Newry is a major visual and project milestone for the team at AM Consulting Engineers, and we hope, an exciting one for everyone who is looking forward to when the bridge opens," he said.

"While the finished permanent bridge will deservedly attract most of the attention, we're proud that it's our temporary works design that will have made its final installation possible. That's no small feat, and as a local company, and one whose staff members will enjoy using the bridge in the future, it's fantastic to have the technical expertise in-house to deliver such a crucial part of this landmark project, which is going to transform daily life for so many."

John Lucy, Director of Civils at BAM UK & Ireland, said the project required careful planning and coordination. "The construction of the Narrow Water Bridge over the River Newry is a complex and challenging project. It requires careful planning and coordination and can only be successfully delivered with engineering excellence and collaboration. AMCE have been a key delivery partner, and their temporary works design capability has been integral to constructing critical elements of the bridge installation infrastructure. We are extremely pleased with the progress made so far on this project, and we look forward to the next stage of this transformative development."

The project is being delivered by Louth County Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Shared Island Initiative, with BAM UK & Ireland acting as main contractor. Updates on the project are available at www.narrowwaterbridge.com, and further information on AM Consulting Engineers can be found at www.amceltd.com.