Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II – A new pedestrian walkway which improves road safety in Galway

Description

Spanning the fast-flowing River Corrib, the Wolfe Tone Bridge connects the Claddagh area with the Latin Quarter in Galway City. The first bridge at this location was built in 1848 and the current bridge has been in place since 1934. With thousands of vehicles crossing the bridge each day, along with significant numbers of people walking, wheeling and cycling, this is an extremely busy area.

In developing a new pedestrian walkway along the exterior of Wolfe Tone Bridge, Galway City Council has enhanced safety for those crossing the bridge by foot, while also maintaining access for drivers. The new bridge is similar in design to a previously constructed walkway on the opposite side of the bridge, and together both walkways now allow those walking and wheeling (e.g. using a mobility scooter or wheelchair) to cross the bridge on a safe, segregated walkway.

Other works carried out in tandem with this project have seen new signalised crossings installed on both approaches to the bridge, as well as footpath widening, the removal of unnecessary street furniture including bollards, and the tightening of the adjacent junction between Fr. Griffin Road and Claddagh Quay, which slows cars and allows people of all ages to cross the road safely. Tactile paving and drop kerbs are in place at each of the crossings and the handrail of the new walkway is at a comfortable height, offering support to those who need it. For people with impaired mobility, including those who are older, these works are of particular importance and greatly enhance the pedestrian experience.

This walkway has been built in a busy location, above the protected River Corrib and on the outside of a protected structure. Galway City Council and the teams working on this project had to devise an innovative approach to allow works to proceed, namely the construction of bespoke platforms to allow works to proceed safely.

Galway City Council partnered with consultants Ryan Hanley and principal contractors Kennys Civil and Plant Ltd. on this project, which was funded by the National Transport Authority. The new walkway was officially opened on May 17 2024 by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare and by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D.

The new project is the latest addition to Galway’s increasing suite of Active Travel Projects. In particular, the Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II project connects with the nearby Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme, an apx. 900m long path for walkers and cyclists which runs along the length of the Eglinton Canal. This project includes two pedestrian crossings along the route and allows for a safe and pleasant experience for those walking, wheeling or cycling between the city centre / Spanish Arch areas and to the University of Galway, University Hospital Galway and Galway Cathedral.

The interconnectivity of Galway’s growing network of active travel projects will only continue to increase as Galway City Council continues to progress its plans – as outlined in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS). The GTS outlines the vision of a city where it is convenient and attractive to walk, cycle or use public transport, and where the safety and security of pedestrians, cyclists and other transport users is maximised, particularly within the core city centre. Increased levels of walking and cycling by people living in Galway will also improve general levels of health, allowing more people to live longer, healthier and more active lives.

Aim of Initiative

The primary objective of this project was the development of a new, accessible, safer walkway across Wolfe Tone Bridge. However, it is important to note that this project is not merely a new walkway, but also a key enabler of the future development of Galway as a cleaner, less-congested city.

Under the Galway Transport Strategy, the Wolfe Tone Bridge will form part of the City Centre Access Route. This inner orbital route will provide access to Galway City centre and a through route for local journeys. The core city centre area will see road space reallocated to prioritise public transport and active modes. This will in turn facilitate public realm improvements.

As a key crossing point over the River Corrib, Wolfe Tone Bridge will continue to carry large volumes of vehicular traffic but it will also remain a key crossing for pedestrians. The new walkway bolsters pedestrian safety on this bridge and will ensure safe crossings for those using the bridge into the future.

In this regard, Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II also forms part of Galway City Council’s efforts to encourage a modal shift in transport choices away from the private car by those who can make that switch. The provision of high-quality, safe and comfortable infrastructure like this walkway enables more people to travel without driving. In turn, this reduces traffic congestion and makes the city more pleasant for all, resulting in significant health and environmental benefits too.

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 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, include 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. The development of Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II, and other active travel projects in Galway, will help to build on this and allow people all of ages to remain active and to live in a healthier, greener city.

This will see Galway further develop as a city whose people live longer, healthier lives in a cleaner, safer environment.

Who is it aimed at

Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II is designed to be used by people of all ages. It has been designed and constructed to offer increased comfort and safety for people walking, and for those with limited mobility e.g. those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

3 Steps critical to success

1. From an early stage of the design process, the emerging preferred option was for the new Pedestrian Walkway to replicate, insomuch as was possible, the existing walkway on the upstream side of the bridge. However, this approach presented significant challenges that needed to be overcome prior to the beginning of construction.

   Key to the successful construction of the bridge was a technical analysis of the existing structure, which had been previously retrofitted with the Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge I in 2004. This was to ensure continued structural integrity of both new and existing structures.

   The design also considered the approach that would be taken during construction, and in particular the further challenges in developing the walkway on the south side of the bridge where there is much less pier space to work from.

2. Particular challenges were posed during the construction phase of this project, given that this walkway has been built over the River Corrib, the fastest-flowing city river in Europe. The protection of the natural environment, and the safety of all construction and project personnel was paramount.

   Other constraints which needed to be managed by the temporary works design included the need to preserve the existing Wolfe Tone Bridge, a protected structure. It was also important to ensure that large volumes of vehicular traffic and pedestrians using the bridge would continue to be accommodated throughout the construction phase. It was also necessary to maintain access to the surrounding area, including the Spanish Arch and steps adjacent to the bridge, which descend into the river and are used in the event of water rescues.

   Key to meeting these challenges was the design and implementation of innovative temporary works design solutions and construction management. This included the construction of bespoke temporary working platforms, which were cantilevered off the existing Wolfe Tone Bridge and allowed construction personnel to carry out works while safely perched over the river. This offered protection to staff, and to the rich flora and fauna of the river environment.

   Management of pedestrian and traffic flow in the area required night-time works which added to the challenges presented.

3. Galway City Council led a comprehensive process of stakeholder engagement before and during the construction works. This saw the Council, and the project consultants, communicate directly with local disability advocates, as well as nearby residents and businesses including hotels and restaurants. These communications included face-to-face meetings, letter drops and updates the Council website. Those who could be directly affected by the works were also given a direct contact phone number for the on-site contractor.

   The Council and the contractor also liaised with the Galway Fire Service, whose main station is located a short distance from the bridge, and other emergency services. During these engagements, the Council set out the expected course of the construction works, ensuring that relevant parties were aware of the status of the project and the impact of the works, while also taking on board any concerns expressed.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. The natural environment, including the fast-flowing River Corrib, and the busy nature of the general area added to challenges during construction.

   An innovative solution was required to address this, namely the fabrication of two platforms which were hung from the bridge throughout the works. Much of the work was then undertaken by workers using these platforms, in line with all relevant safety standards. This process was led by the principal contractors for the project, Kennys Civil and Plant Ltd. and allowed construction staff to operate in safety, while also protecting the protected environment of the River Corrib below.

   Special measures were also necessary to manage the high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the bridge, and to maintain access where possible. Any disruption to traffic caused by this project could have a knock-on impact throughout the city, negatively impacting on local businesses. Measures taken to mitigate this risk included a series of night works, and extensive pedestrian and traffic management measures.

   Construction began in August 2023 and was completed ahead of schedule in May 2024.

2. As an historic bridge, and a protected structure, it has been a priority throughout this project to ensure that the character of Wolfe Tone Bridge and the general area was respected during the construction of the new pedestrian walkway.

   Great care has been taken in the design of the walkway, to ensure it augments the existing bridge, and the walkway on the other side of the bridge. All new components were carefully installed so as not to detract from the character or structural integrity of the Wolfe Tone Bridge. Brackets on which the bridge was installed are located out of sight of anyone using the bridge, and the majority of people looking at its exterior.

   The installation of the new bridge also entailed the temporary removal and reinstatement of quay wall components, in close consultation with the Council’s Heritage Officer. These stones were logged, as they were removed, so they could be re-used in a manner which maintains the existing look of the Wolfe Tone Bridge.

3. The River Corrib is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under EU and Irish law as it contains several ecologically important habitats and species. The important species include salmon, sea lamprey and white-clawed crayfish. This meant that Galway City Council was required to take extensive steps to ensure that the local natural environment was not negatively impacted by the works.

   Care was taken to ensure no pollutants entered the water and steps were also undertaken to protect any bats which could use the underneath of the bridge. An Ecological Clerk of Works was hired for the project.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge II immediately became the natural, preferred option of many pedestrians crossing the bridge. The segregated, wider footway on the south side of the bridge offers a far more comfortable experience than the narrow footpath adjacent to the road, which sometimes forced people to step onto the road to allow others to pass. The crossing is used by thousands of people each day, and also offers the added advantage of providing unobstructed, over-water views of oneof Galway’s most iconic vistas, including the Claddagh, the iconic Long Walk, and Nimmo’s Pier.
2. As has already been outlined, great care was taken during the construction phase to ensure that traffic flow was maintained during the works on Wolfe Tone Bridge.

   The flow of vehicular traffic has also been maintained, after the completion of the project, by ensuring that the traffic lights at both ends of the bridge are synchronised.

   This achieves the dual aim of keeping Galway moving, while also allowing for safe road crossings by those walking, wheeling and cycling.

3. Wolfe Tone Bridge will remain a key element of the Galway City Centre Access Route into the future. The fully segregated crossing will have capacity to cater for the pedestrians using this route, while the bridge continues to cater for vehicular traffic. As part of the proposed BusConnects Galway: Cross-City Link project (currently with An Bord Pleanála), a central corridor including Eyre Square and the Salmon Weir Bridge will become a route used primarily by public transport, cyclists and pedestrians. Other traffic will be removed from the city centre along an access route which will distribute traffic, and this will include Wolfe Tone Bridge. This plan will be transformative for Galway and will significantly change traffic flows in the city. This project facilitates that change, and the associated health, economic and environmental benefits of a city with fewer cars and more people travelling by public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling.