[Aran]

Tis true

[gurramok]

Originally Posted by The Swordsman

Finally, I would argue that the bridge helps the flow of traffic in the area, particularly on the Northside. It may help traffic on Amiens Street, but not in Seville Place or any roads heading down to the bridge. I find that, in general, it is quicker to cross the river at the IFSC than head towards the Beckett Bridge and I'd imagine it's the same for most people coming from the Northside.

Amen to that. Too many traffic lights not synchronised especially heading northbound, I gave up on the bridge at peak hour a long time ago.

[BrianD]

Not sure how long it's been there but a new right turn off Guild St. onto Upper Sherrif St. has been put in place. It's signal controlled as well.

This means that you can access all the North Docklands, Docklands Station, Port Tunnel etc. if you are travelling North using the Samuel Beckett bridge.

[trellheim]

IIRC was that the one that was waiting for the conference center works to be completed - i.e. it's not a new road per se ?

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by trellheim

IIRC was that the one that was waiting for the conference center works to be completed - i.e. it's not a new road per se ?

No, there is a right turn into Mayor St. that runs directly behind the conference centre. Technically this is a dead end and is only for car park access.

The right turn I refer to is further north at the junction of Guild St., Saville and Upper Sherrif St.

[Snickers Man]

Originally Posted by BrianD

No, there is a right turn into Mayor St. that runs directly behind the conference centre. Technically this is a dead end and is only for car park access.

The right turn I refer to is further north at the junction of Guild St., Saville and Upper Sherrif St.

Yup. That's right. Use it myself frequently now. All we now need is for a left turn to be allowed off Sherriff St onto the road leading to the bridge so that you can make that same route going the other way. There is no good reason for that restriction to remain in place.

I'm sure our traffic Czars can come up with 10 BAD reasons but that's not the same thing at all.

[Cathaoirleach]

Here are some pictures of the Calatrava Bridge in Valencia, Spain, which cost slightly less than our own Samuel Beckett Bridge, yet is about 3 times the size. Did we get our money's worth?

[MYOB]

Did we get our money's worth: No

Is that at least partially our fault: Yes

Some of the higher cost is going to have been down to our planning system, admin delays and higher construction costs. Some is probably down to being gouged...

[charlemont]

Originally Posted by MYOB

Did we get our money's worth: No

Is that at least partially our fault: Yes

Some of the higher cost is going to have been down to our planning system, admin delays and higher construction costs. Some is probably down to being gouged...

All true then add in the Irish factor*.

*An ability to make a molehill into a mountain.

[Losty Dublin]

Originally Posted by Cathaoirleach

Here are some pictures of the Calatrava Bridge in Valencia, Spain, which cost slightly less than our own Samuel Beckett Bridge, yet is about 3 times the size. Did we get our money's worth?

Nobody doubts that Ireland has a culture of higher costs related to projects but the Beckett Bridge is a swing span and it wasn't cast on site, a la this bridge.

That said, the price difference is huge