Munster Express Online

By Tom Young

Construction of Waterford’s €650 million bypass is currently ahead of schedule, so much so that, barring hitches, the tolled roadway may well be open in a little over two years time rather than August of 2010, as had been projected.

That emerged from a press briefing, following a bumpy ride across the 23k bypass route last Friday as foundation concrete was being poured for the main pylon of the 475m cable-stay bridge across the Suir, the central ingredient of the PPS development. The bridge’s main span, at 230m, is the longest in the 26 counties.

More than 400 workmen are engaged on the scheme, rock blasting and excavating, laying foundations and drainage, building tunnels and bridges, mainly away from the public gaze. Once the job is completed, between 80 and 100 will be employed permanently on tolling and maintenance duties. ‘It’s operation will be an industry in itself’, commented Tom Hartery, Project Liaison Officer, who conducted the site tour along with NRA site representative Simon Merrick.

The scheme, which stretches from Kilmeaden to Slieverue, consists of over 4k of link roads and nearly 10k of single carriageway side roads, as well as the dual carriageway bypass itself. There will also be a two-level junction at Grannagh.

Included will be about 60 structures in all, among them 10 overbridges, 11 underbridges, including 3 for railways, 8

underpasses including one for railway, 3 viaducts and a toll plaza at Gracedieu East.

The bypass is expected to siphon off abut 30 p.c. of the traffic, mainly heavy vehicles, which currently travel the N25 via Rice Bridge and congested city streets. As well as easing that congestion the new development will improve travel times and enhance the environment locally.

Green routes

In the latter regard it is envisaged that the bypass opening will coincide with the introduction of new ‘green routes’ through the city, from the railway station through the quays, out the Cork Road as far as Waterford Crystal and also from The Mall out the Dunmore Road to Waterford Regional Hospital. Eventually the ‘greening’ scheme will extend to Belview on the north side and to the Outer Ring Road, Butlerstown and Farmleigh on the Dunmore Road.

A €12million, 5m wide pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Suir from the Clock Tower area, linking the north and south quays, will be an integral element of the scheme, which will also involve the progressive elimination of surface parking along the quayside, despite a growing need for city centre parking which is expected to rise by about 2,000 to 4,500 spaces by 2020. The surface quay parks may be replaced by underground parking, along with a multiplicity of multi storey parks which are planned near the city centre.

Frank Roche, City Council Senior Engineer with responsibility for Transportation and Corporate Affairs, said the aim was to integrate the quays with a developing city centre. Bus and cycle lanes would also constitute integral elements of the greening process. Park-and-ride facilities were likely to be laid on in time too, in an effort to reduce car usage.

‘The whole idea’, he said, ‘apart from further beautifying the city, is to encourage people to use public transport, which will run more freely and create routes which are more cycle and pedestrian friendly’.

Bypass may open in 09