The formal reopening tomorrow of the bridge into Wexford from Ferrybank will mark the completion on schedule of a unique engineering project.
In just 10 weeks, the 380-metre bridge has been completely demolished and replaced by a new superstructure of steel and precast concrete. It is believed to be the largest project of its kind in this country and the shortest contract period for replacement of a bridge of this span in Europe.
The previous bridge, completed in 1959, became badly affected by the corrosive chemical effects of the sea. Successive consultants' reports indicated a progressive deterioration in its condition so it was decided in 1995 to replace it.
On September 14th the bridge was closed and demolition of the superstructure began. The replacement decided upon was a composite steel girder bridge of the same profile as the previous one.
Some 1,500 tons of structural steel was used for the girders, which were fabricated in Italy and assembled near the bridge before being lifted into position on the original concrete piers and abutments by a 150ton floating crane.
The new concrete decking, precast by Banagher Concrete, was then lifted on to the girders in full-width sections, each three metres long. Engineers travelled from all over the country to inspect various stages of the huge operation, on which up to 120 workers were employed.
The contract was completed by Ascon Ltd in the designated time, to a design by the Dublin consulting engineers, John B. Barry & Partners Ltd, and the new bridge will be opened to traffic tomorrow afternoon by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey.
The £5 million-plus project compares with the first bridge across the Slaney Estuary of which records exist. That was constructed in 1794-95 by the US engineer, Lemual Cox, at a cost of £15,000. It was 1,554ft long and 34ft wide, and was built using American oak.