Design ID were appointed to design this new footbridge spanning over both the main Dublin to Sligo railway line and the Royal Canal, in what is currently proposed as an innovative 45m span curved on plan corten steel footbridge. The bridge successfully received Part 8 planning approval in 2019, with hoping to procure a contractor in late 2021.
The €1 million bridge will span 45 metres across the Royal Canal and will provide a much-needed link for the community living nearby, and in particular, providing access for a new school on the outside of the town. The bridge has been designed to retain views towards the historic original stone arch Saunders Bridge, working with Waterways Ireland to improve and maintain the Royal Canal Waterway.
One of the main challenges as been the technical approval processes with both the National Transport Authority (NTA/ TII), whilst also adhering to all Iarnród Éireann/ CRR safety requirements over the railway, and finally in providing an upgraded access for reduced mobility users.
Client: Westmeath County Council
