Taoiseach Welcomes Major Milestone for Narrow Water Bridge as Deck 2 and Pylon Arrive from Belgium
The Narrow Water Bridge project reached a major milestone today (20 October) with the arrival of Deck 2 and the bridge pylon at Carlingford Lough.
The structures were transported aboard the Caroline barge, accompanied by the Multratug 29 tugboat. The barge left Belgium on 15 October, travelled through the Netherlands' canals, crossed the North Sea, and entered Carlingford Lough early this morning. It then travelled along the Newry River and berthed at Warrenpoint Harbour.
A second barge, the Karel Victor, is carrying Deck 1, which will complete the bridge’s fixed span. Accompanied by the En Avant 1 tugboat, it left Belgium on 18 October. Its journey is expected to take approximately seven days, subject to suitable weather and marine conditions.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:
“Today is a major milestone in the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge, as major steel components of the bridge arrive at Carlingford Lough for assembly on site in the coming months.
“The Narrow Water Bridge will do far more than connect two shores. It will bring communities closer together, strengthen links between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, and help unlock new opportunities for recreation, sustainable tourism and economic development across the region.
“Seeing its structures now making their way across the water is a reminder that this long-held vision is fast becoming a reality.
“I want to thank everyone involved in delivering this landmark project under the Government's Shared Island Initiative. I look forward to seeing the bridge take shape in the months ahead and to the lasting benefits it will bring for communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough.”
Acknowledging this important milestone, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said:
“As the approving authority, we are delighted by this progress and celebrate the connection of shared heritage across Carlingford Lough, which will continue to evolve and deepen over time. This bridge will do more than link people to places; it will link them to the shared history, heritage and culture of the border region.
“By improving access, we hope to encourage more people to explore and understand the region’s story. This complements another of our important cross-border initiatives, with the ongoing programme of upgrades to the Ulster Canal, creating opportunities for economic growth.”
Scale of the structures
The fixed span will form the southern section of the bridge and is made up of two large deck sections.
The arrival of Deck 2 and the pylon provides the clearest indication yet of the scale of the new bridge and how it will take shape across the river.
Deck 1 measures 59 metres long, 23 metres wide and three metres high, and weighs approximately 725 tonnes, while Deck 2 is 82 metres long, 16 metres wide and five metres high, and weighs approximately 690 tonnes. The bridge pylon is 114 metres long and weighs approximately 866 tonnes.
Between them, Deck 1, Deck 2 and the bridge pylon have a combined weight of approximately 2,245 tonnes.
When complete, the 195-metre, two-span, cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh, near Omeath in County Louth, with Narrow Water, near Warrenpoint in County Down.
It will carry vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, improve cross-border connectivity and support tourism, active travel and economic development in the Carlingford Lough region.
Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“Seeing Deck 2 and the pylon arrive in Warrenpoint is a proud moment for everyone who has supported the Narrow Water Bridge project over many years.
“The scale of these structures gives us our clearest view yet of the landmark bridge that is taking shape between County Louth and County Down. The arrival of the Karel Victor in the coming week will bring the remaining section of the fixed span to the area and mark another important step forward.
“While considerable work remains, this milestone brings us closer to a permanent connection that will strengthen relationships between communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough and create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Preparations at Narrow Water
Preparations for the arrival and installation of the fixed span and pylon are well advanced at the Narrow Water Bridge site.
Temporary supports and skid tracks have been installed in the river to allow Deck 1, Deck 2 and the pylon to be safely transferred into position.
A central gap has been left between the temporary structures to allow the barges carrying the bridge components to move into place.
When the tides and operating conditions are suitable, the components will be transferred from the barges onto the temporary tracks and carefully moved into position.
A vessel carrying the components of a crane with a lifting capacity of 1,500 tonnes arrived at Warrenpoint Harbour on 14 October. The components were then transported to the Narrow Water Bridge site in 70 articulated lorry loads.
The crane is now being assembled on the southern embankment and will be used during the installation of the fixed span and pylon. The piled foundations for the temporary tower that will support the pylon have also been completed.
On the northern embankment, work is continuing on the final concrete walls within the bascule chamber and plant room.
Looking ahead
The arrival of the fixed span and pylon will begin a complex operation that is expected to take between eight and 12 weeks, depending on weather and operating conditions.
During this period, the barges will carry the bridge components upriver to the bridge site. The components will then be transferred onto the temporary tracks and carefully moved into position.
The shorter northern span of the bridge will include a movable opening section, known as a bascule span, which will allow marine traffic to continue using the Newry River.
Aelterman is also fabricating the bascule span, which is expected to be completed and delivered to the site in October 2027. The main construction work on the Narrow Water Bridge project is currently envisaged to be completed in quarter 4 2027, along with the commencement of testing and commissioning. Thereafter, the bridge is due to open in the first quarter of 2028.
Footage of the fabrication, loading and journey of the bridge structures has been recorded by Another Avenue as part of a documentary commissioned by Louth County Council.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:
“The arrival of Deck 2 and the bridge pylon, and the imminent arrival of Deck 1, is the result of extensive design, fabrication and logistical planning by Louth County Council and the wider project team.
“Although significant construction work remains, the arrival of these major components moves the project into a new and highly visible phase, and over the coming months, communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough will begin to see the main structure of the bridge take shape.
“Our focus now is on delivering the next stages safely and successfully as we continue working towards completion of this landmark cross-border connection.”
John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer at BAM UK & Ireland, said:
"Delivering Narrow Water Bridge is about much more than construction. It requires meticulous planning, specialist engineering and international collaboration to safely transport and install these enormous structures.
“As the bridge begins to take shape, it marks an important milestone in a project that will strengthen connectivity, support tourism and active travel, and create lasting economic and social benefits for communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough.”
The Narrow Water Bridge project is funded through the Government’s Shared Island Fund. It is being delivered by Louth County Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of the Shared Island Initiative, with BAM as the main contractor.
Further information about the Narrow Water Bridge project is available at www.narrowwaterbridge.com.