A night-time study of the new bridge by award winning Waterford photographer, Noel Browne.

The N25 Waterford City Bypass and its Cable Stayed Bridge, the longest in the State, was formally opened on Monday by Waterford based cabinet member, Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Completed within budget and ten months ahead of schedule, it is estimated that approximately 14,000 vehicles per day will use the new Waterford Bypass which will reduce traffic volumes currently using Rice Bridge and remove some 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day from the city quays.

The scheme commences at Kilmeaden, west of Waterford City, crosses the River Suir and ties in with the existing N25 (Rosslare to Cork route) east of Slieverue in Co Kilkenny.

Minister Cullen told the large crowd that had assembled for the ceremony: “I am delighted to perform the official opening of the N25 Waterford Bypass Scheme which has been long awaited by the people of Waterford and the South East.

“For as long as anyone can remember, only one river crossing was available to people wishing to visit Waterford, whether to conduct business or for pleasure, and to those passing through the city on their way to Rosslare or Cork and beyond.

“This has now all changed. The new, iconic Cable Stayed Bridge over the Suir is the longest in the State and it encapsulates how far our national road network has come in a few short years under the Government’s Transport 21 Plan.

For full story see our print edition.