The Narrow Water Bridge project has reached a major construction milestone with the arrival of one of its main deck sections and the bridge pylon at Carlingford Lough.
Deck 2 and the pylon arrived aboard the Caroline barge on Tuesday, 20th October after travelling from Belgium through the Netherlands and across the North Sea.
The barge entered Carlingford Lough before travelling along the Newry River and berthing at Warrenpoint Harbour.
A second barge, the Karel Victor, is carrying Deck 1, which will complete the fixed span of the bridge. It left Belgium on 18th October and is expected to arrive in the coming days, weather and marine conditions permitting.
More than 2,200 tonnes of steel
The scale of the bridge components gives the clearest indication yet of how the new structure will look across the river.
Deck 1 measures 59 metres long, 23 metres wide and three metres high, weighing around 725 tonnes.
Deck 2 is 82 metres long, 16 metres wide and five metres high, with a weight of approximately 690 tonnes.
The bridge pylon is 114 metres long and weighs around 866 tonnes.
Together, the three structures weigh approximately 2,245 tonnes.
When complete, the 195-metre cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh, near Omeath in County Louth, with Narrow Water, near Warrenpoint in County Down.
It will carry vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists across the Newry River.
‘Fast becoming a reality’
Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the arrival of the components.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He said the arrival of the structures showed that the long-planned project was “fast becoming a reality”.
Cross-border links
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne also welcomed the progress, saying the bridge would strengthen links around Carlingford Lough while helping people explore the shared history and heritage of the border region.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Browne said improved access could also support economic opportunities in the area and pointed to the ongoing Ulster Canal upgrade programme as another cross-border initiative.
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Preparations under way
Preparatory work for the installation of the fixed span and pylon is already under way at the bridge site.
Temporary supports and skid tracks have been installed in the river to allow the major components to be transferred from the barges and moved into position.
A central opening has been left between the temporary structures so the barges can move into place.
A crane capable of lifting up to 1,500 tonnes is also being assembled on the southern embankment after its components were transported to the site in 70 articulated lorry loads.
Louth County Council has already introduced temporary restrictions around the Carlingford Lough Greenway to facilitate major construction works connected with the project.
Installation to take up to 12 weeks
The process of moving and installing the fixed-span components and pylon is expected to take between eight and 12 weeks, depending on weather and operating conditions.
The shorter northern section of the bridge will include a movable bascule span, allowing marine traffic to continue travelling along the Newry River.
That section is also being fabricated by Aelterman and is expected to be delivered in October 2027.
Main construction work is currently expected to finish in the final quarter of 2027, followed by testing and commissioning.
The bridge is due to open in the first quarter of 2028.
‘A proud moment’
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue said the arrival of Deck 2 and the pylon was an important moment for the project.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway said the arrival of the major components followed extensive design, fabrication and logistical planning.
“Although significant construction work remains, the arrival of these major components moves the project into a new and highly visible phase,” he said.
“Over the coming months, communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough will begin to see the main structure of the bridge take shape.”
The Narrow Water Bridge is being funded through the Government’s Shared Island Fund and delivered by Louth County Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with BAM as main contractor.
