New bridge over the Nore in Kilkenny city wins award

The contentious new bridge over the Nore, part of the Central Access Scheme in the city, has won an award.

The 125 metre long, five  span, reinforced concrete structure  with piled bases and circular piers won a category in the  Civil Engineering Contractors Association annual awards.

 It was shortlisted in the €5 million to €100 million category. It  was entered by John Cradock Ltd, the main contractors on the scheme.  According to the judges, the bridge secured first prize  for the complexity of the works required to construct it together with the quality of the finish realised.

Bases

The bases required the installation of two coffer dams on the Nore and also had to be completed within the Fisheries Season.

Substantial in situ concrete works to the abutments either side of the river, all of which was clad in local Kilkenny Limestone,  were also needed.

Major architectural steel and stainless steel walkways were

constructed on either side of the bridge including a viewing platform.

Major roadworks including substantial traffic management are ongoing.

It is expected that the bridge will open next year when  the road works at Wolfe Tone Street and in the grounds of the old mart site, connecting the bridge with the Castlecomer  Road are completed.