28/04/2026
🚀 Project Milestone: Barrow Blueway Pedestrian Bridge is Fully Open! ✅
We are delighted to announce that as of March 19th, 2026, the Barrow Blueway Pedestrian Bridge in Rathangan, Co. Kildare, is officially open to the public! 🎊
This critical piece of infrastructure spans approximately 175m in total, featuring a 27m main span over the Grand Canal. It provides a seamless, safe crossing for walkers and cyclists enjoying the stunning Barrow Blueway.
🛠️ Engineering & Construction Highlights
Delivering a structure of this scale required precision, expertise, and a multi-disciplinary approach. Our team successfully managed:
- Foundation & Earthworks: Extensive piling, bulk earthworks, and the construction of pile caps, concrete support columns and carrier beams.
- Structural Steel: Fabrication and installation of 6 steel bridge approach ramps and the main span bridge.
- Innovative Design: Design & Construction of a reinforced earth greenwall embankment, blending the infrastructure into the natural landscape.
- Safety & Finishing: Installation of 270m² of reinforced concrete ramp constructed on top of the greenwall embankment, pedestrian balustrades with stainless steel Graepel wire infill panels, buff coloured high-friction surfacing over the full length of the structure, and landscaping.
🌿 Enhancing the Blueway Experience
Beyond the technical specs, this bridge is about accessibility and safety. By providing a dedicated crossing over the Grand Canal, we are ensuring that the Barrow Blueway remains a great destination for outdoor recreation in Ireland.
A huge thank you to our dedicated site team, partners, subcontractors/suppliers and especially the local community in Rathangan for their patience and support throughout the construction phase.
Next time you’re out on the Blueway, make sure to cross over and take in the view! 🚶♂️🚴♀️