NORTHSIDE residents got their first view last week of the massive new steel bridge that will accommodate the realigned Ratoath Road between Cabra and Ballyboggan Road in Finglas.
The 320 tonnes structure was lifted in over the Dublin to Sligo railway line and the Royal Canal between Cabra and Finglas overnight by experts from BAM Group Ireland, contractors for the job.
The bridge was raised into place by a 1,200 tonne capacity Gottwald AK912 strut jib crane, one of the largest cranes ever mobilised in Ireland for such an operation.
BAM’s bridge installation crew, which included 20 operatives and engineering staff, managed the complex operation safely and effectively, while a crowd of over 100 locals gathered at the canal bridge crossing at 1am to witness the historic bridge being lifted.
The truss arch bridge was engineered using tubular sections for the arches and beams sections to support the deck and was assembled off-line locally before installation.
It has a total length of 70m and is 15m in width and spans the whole of the busy Dublin to Maynooth-Sligo Railway line, the Royal Canal and the canal towpath.
When complete the bridge will allow for the closure of the manned level crossing over the railway line at Reilly’s canal bridge and provide relief from the frustrating peak traffic queues either side of the bridge. The project is due to be completed early next year.