Droichead an Dóchais – A New Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge for Galway

Description

Droichead an Dóchais is the first new bridge to span the River Corrib in over 30 years. Originally named the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Droichead an Dóchais (which translates as Bridge of Hope) is used by thousands of walkers, cyclists and people using mobility aids and wheelchairs each day. The bridge is located just 24 metres from the historic Salmon Weir bridge and has created a focal point for locals and tourists alike to cross the river while taking in views of the historic Cathedral, Salmon Weir Bridge, aquatic and airborne wildlife, as well as the natural and built heritage synonymous with the city. It also provides a new public space for the people of Galway.

Accessibility has been a key consideration in the design of the new bridge, with great care taken to ensure that it provides a welcoming experience for all, including those with limited mobility.

Droichead an Dóchais also acts as a sanctuary in the middle of Galway City. Age-friendly seating has been incorporated in the centre of the bridge, offering those who use it an opportunity to rest and to take in the stunning views offered by the water underneath, and the surrounding landmarks. The fast-flowing waters of the Corrib beneath the bridge ensure that the noise of the surrounding traffic is inaudible.

The bridge boasts an innovative design which captures the character of its surroundings and celebrates the city’s history by augmenting the existing landscape. It has been built to the highest standards, protecting the sensitive environment of the surrounding area. It is a key enabler in allowing Galway to become an international leader in prioritising infrastructure that will make the city a safer, more enjoyable place for pedestrians and cyclists for generations to come.

This development was led by the Galway City Council Active Travel Section. Arup were appointed as lead consultants for the planning stage of the project, and AtkinsRéalis led the detailed design and construction phase. Jons Civils were principal contractors, and the bridge was designed by Seán Harrington Architects. The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (North & Western Regional Assembly) and the National Transport Authority.

It is important to note how this bridge is not just a significant project in and of itself. The provision of a new pedestrian and cycle crossing which accommodates large numbers along this busy route is in line with the strategic goals of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS). The GTS outlines a range of projects which, together, will transform Galway into a cleaner, healthier city where more people can choose to walk and cycle, and with less traffic congestion. Reducing general levels of car use will also benefit those, including some older people, who will need to use the private car.

Aim of Initiative

Droichead an Dóchais represents a landmark development for Galway. It facilitates connectivity in the city while creating a focal point for people to take in the views of the river, as well as the nearby natural wildlife and built heritage of the area.

In developing Droichead an Dóchais, as one of several active travel projects in the city, Galway City Council has sought to encourage a modal shift in transport choices away from the car. The provision of high-quality, safe and comfortable pedestrian and cycle infrastructure such as this bridge is a key enabler to encourage more people to choose to walk and cycle. In turn, this reduces traffic congestion with reduced carbon emissions, and higher levels of activity which will help more people to live longer, more active lives.

The Walking and Cycling Index 2023 Report, published by the National Transport Authority, included a representative survey of 1,100 people from across Galway City and surrounding towns. It found strong levels of participation in active travel by people of all ages, including older people. Half of those aged 66+ walk or wheel (travel using a wheelchair or mobility scooter) at least five days per week, and 7% of those aged 66+ cycle at least once a week. Both of these figures were the highest recorded in any Irish city outside of Dublin.

The Report also found significant health benefits from walking and cycling. In Galway, 236 serious long-term health conditions are prevented each year, including Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and hip fractures. The Report also found that every day, walking, wheeling and cycling delivers an economic benefit of €144 million to Galway, as well as saving 6,300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Droichead an Dóchais will help to build on this and allow more people all of ages to remain active and to live in a healthier, greener city.

The new bridge is fully accessible for people with impaired mobility. The surface of the bridge is skid-resistance, enhancing safety, while there is a signalised pedestrian crossing on the busier Cathedral side of the bridge. The inclusion of accessible, age friendly seating has allowed Droichead an Dóchais to become a significant addition to the city’s public realm.

Who is it aimed at

Droichead an Dóchais is used by people of all ages and allows them to cross the River Corrib in a safe and comfortable fashion whilst walking, wheeling or cycling. Particular care has been taken during the design and construction of this bridge to ensure that it is accessible by all, including those with impaired mobility.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Several constraints in the development of the bridge were identified at an early stage and these were factored into the design and construction phases. These included the need to maintain access and traffic flow on the existing Salmon Weir Bridge, and the need to protect the marine environments of the River Corrib and Lough Corrib as well as other habitats in the area such as otters, bats and trees. The presence of buildings near to the site of the bridge, on both sides of the river, meant there would be limited accessibility and working space for crews and machinery during construction. These constraints were factored into the design of the bridge, an important step in ensuring the successful delivery of this project.

   Droichead an Dóchais has been designed to ensure it befits the character of the surrounding area. The bridge is approximately 85 metres long and crosses three watercourses. It is in the shape of a salmon to reflect the heritage of fishing in the area. It is lightweight and robust, with transparent parapets, which offer uninterrupted views of Galway Cathedral, the Convent of Mercy, the existing Salmon Weir Bridge and the watercourses below. A striking feature of the new bridge is two glazed oculi, incorporated into each of the approach spans. These offer an open view of the watercourses below at either end of the bridge. Each oculus represents an eye of a salmon.

   The design ensured that there were no requirements for foundations or other significant works to be carried out in the River Corrib, which protects the environmental integrity of the Galway Bay Complex SAC (Special Area of Conservation), Lough Corrib SAC, Lough Corrib SPA (Special Protection Area) and Inner Galway SPA.

   The approach spans from the west and east are paved with flamed Kilkenny limestone, which has a high skid resistance (maximising safety for pedestrians and cyclists) and is in line with the Galway City Public Realm Strategy. The approaches from the canal bank on the east side emerge gracefully, gently sloped, with elegant stonework blending in with the canal walls which have been carefully and painstakingly conserved. The approach parapets on the west are of cut limestone to reflect the limestone pattern on the Cathedral on the west and the Convent on the east.

2. The construction phase of the Droichead an Dóchais project, including the construction of the new bridge, was a highly complex undertaking. The project’s primary contractor, Jons Civils, appointed Thompson’s of Carlow as the steel fabricator of the new bridge, including the 50-metre-long structure of the main span.

   The steel structure was constructed at Thompson’s yard in Co. Carlow, and then cut into four parts to allow for transportation to the site. The four sections were re-welded together under a temporary tent installed in the Galway Cathedral Car Park, forming one 160-tonne structure. This was transported a short distance to the lifting site using an SPMT (Self-propelled Modular Transporter) before being lifted into position by Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire, using one of the largest crawler cranes in the country, in the early hours of December 12 2022. The bridge was lifted at night in order to minimise disruption to traffic.

3. Prior to the construction phase, Galway City Council engaged in public consultation and invited the views of members of the public on the proposed development. Part of this occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when – in conjunction with the consultants, ARUP – Galway City Council adopted an innovative approach by using Virtual Engage, a web-based, interactive environment that allows stakeholders to access information from any location and at any time.

   This proactive approach to communications continued throughout the construction phase. Galway City Council worked proactively to maintain close contact with all stakeholders to help ensure the successful completion of the project, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Office of Public Works, media, local residents and elected representatives.

   A high-profile launch event for the bridge also helped to draw attention to this project from people in Galway and around the country. The event was attended by large crowds, who watched the formal opening of the bridge by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Clodagh Higgins and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. The event garnered significant media coverage from local media in Galway and from national media including RTE and The Irish Times. These reports reflected the public enthusiasm for the project and helped to attract visitors who were interested in seeing the bridge to the city.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. This bridge crosses three distinct water courses – the River Corrib, and also the smaller Peresse’s and Friar’s Rivers. The challenge posed by this topography was identified at an early stage, and factored into to the design and construction of Droichead an Dóchais.

   New abutments were installed at either end of the bridge, on Gaol Road and Newtownsmith Road. This entailed significant works to divert existing services e.g., electricity, water and telecoms. These works were conducted in a way to limit disruption to the public.

   Temporary bridges were installed to enable the construction of piers on both banks of the River Corrib. This involved carefully drilling anchors into the bed rock, with complete precision required so that the main span of the bridge would fit.

   Once the piers and abutments were constructed, the approach structures over the Peresse’s River and Friar’s River were put into position and the concrete decking was poured.

2. This bridge was constructed in an important and environmentally sensitive area, with a number of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to be considered. A key priority of this project was to protect the flora and fauna of the natural environment of the River Corrib. It was also important that the project would cause the minimum amount of disruption, even though the bridge was being build in a city-centre location, and notwithstanding the difficulties associated with the fabrication, transport and lifting of the bridge.
3. The Droichead an Dóchais project was complex and had a budgeted cost of apx €10m. Despite the significant challenges posed by the nature of the project and its scale, the bridge was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Droichead an Dóchais has proven to be extremely successful since its opening. Each and every day, it is used by thousands of people walking, wheeling and cycling. Previously, people could only use the busy Salmon Weir bridge (which carries thousands of cars a day) to cross the Corrib at this point. This bridge has narrow footpaths, making the new pedestrian and cycle bridge a much safer and more comfortable way to cross the Corrib.
2. While it has only been in place for a relatively short time, Droichead an Dóchais has already become a landmark in Galway, featured in countless images of the Corrib and the Galway skyline.

   The high standards employed in the design and construction of Droichead an Dóchais, including in the selection of materials appropriate to the built heritage of the area have greatly added to Galway’s public realm. As well as providing a crossing of the river, the wide nature of the bridge, the inclusion of age-friendly seating, and the scenic views offered mean that this is not merely a bridge used to cross the river, but also a place from which locals and visitors can enjoy a pleasant, relaxing experience in the heart of Galway.

   Though it is located only 24m from the existing Salmon Weir bridge, the fast-flowing river underneath helps to greatly reduce the noise pollution from motorised vehicles, offering members of the public an opportunity to enjoy the rich amenities of the surrounding area.

3. The development of Droichead an Dóchais was identified as an action in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS), and as a strategic objective in the Galway City Council Development Plan. The objective of the GTS is to enhance sustainable travel in the city centre and reduce dependency on private motor vehicles, in line with national transport and planning policies. The new bridge supports the delivery of BusConnects Galway: Cross-City Link (University Road to Dublin Road) by providing an alternative river crossing for active travel, so buses can take priority on the existing Salmon Weir Bridge. This will allow a central corridor within the city to be designated for use by public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. In turn, this will make Galway City a more pleasant city to live in and visit and will reap significant health and environmental benefits for generations to come.