N25/N30 - New Ross Bypass [open to traffic]

There might be an announcement for a 2nd walk on Saturday.
Keep an eye on eventbrite.ie if you want to go but didn't register in time for the Sunday walk.

Wexford People today, The Barrow Bridge due to open

Taoiseach and members of Kennedy family to get traffic rolling on bypass

Wexford People21 Jan 2020

By DAVID LOOBY

The new bridge is named in memory of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, pictured here with her son, President John F Kennedy, at a Kennedy Foundation Awards Banquet in Washington in 1962.

THE Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge and New Ross Bypass will finally open to drivers at noon on Thursday, January 30.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will officially open the bridge on Wednesday, January 29, at 3.30 p.m. and members of the Kennedy family are travelling from America to attend the ceremony.

The 887 metre structure named the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge - which crosses the river Barrow between Wexford and Kilkenny - forms part of upgrades to the €230 million New Ross bypass.

Dunganstown, near New Ross, is the ancestral home of assassinated US President John F Kennedy, with the bridge – which is reputed to have cost €233m to build – being named after his mother Rose, whose ancestors hailed from Bruff, Co Limerick. President Kennedy was the first Irish Catholic elected to the position.

A Wexford County Council spokesperson confirmed that at least one, if not more, of the Kennedy clan will be attending the opening.

‘We had hoped that the former US Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith would be able to attend as she is the last surviving child of Joe and Rose Kennedy. However, it is understood that she is too frail. But we have been assured that one or others are aiming to come along as it is a significant event for them.’

Speculation is mounting that it will be either Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the only surviving child of the late President or cousin and grandson of the late Attorney General Robert Kennedy who was also assassinated, Congressman Joe Kennedy III. The council spokesperson would not confirm or deny these reports.

The last time a notable visit by the famous Kennedy clan was in 2013 when the lighting of the Emigrant Flame was carried out by Kennedy Schlossberg.

Fianna Fáil councillor and General Election candidate for the area, Michael Sheehan, confirmed that the council has invited a list of dignitaries to the prestigious and historical opening with many travelling to the event from abroad. ‘There are some notable names due to attend and we will welcome members of the Kennedy family to the official opening.’

Cllr Sheehan pointed out that the bridge will have huge benefits for the area which has been in the doldrums due to high unemployment figures and lack of business investment in the south east region.

‘I’ve been informed that final details on the bridge opening are being put together. All of the work on this massive bridge is complete which is seven times the size of a hurling pitch,’ said Cllr Sheehan.

‘The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge is the longest bridge in Ireland, and its two main spans are the longest post-tensioned concrete spans of their type in the world. There will be reduced congestion in New Ross town and improvements to the quality of life of people living in the area. Tailbacks in and out of the town stretch to up to five kilometres daily. Now there is a potential for economic growth due to inward investment along with opportunities for the development of the New Ross, new tourism and recreation initiatives. It provides a chance for a clean break from the area’s industrial past and legacy of Albatros, (defunct fertiliser plant on 55 acres of land on the outskirts of New Ross) rural decline and to reboot the town.’

The bridge, which has been beset by several delays, was due to open, along with the bypass, in early 2019. In the summer crumbling concrete was detected at one of the supporting piers for the structure and was thought to have been caused by voids within one of the 11 piers which occurred during the high-pressure blasting of concrete during construction.

An Italian man working on the bridge from South Kilkenny to New Ross received serious injuries after an accident on the bridge last November.

Cllr Sheehan said the opening of the scheme means that chronic traffic congestion and tailbacks in New Ross will be a thing of the past, particularly during peak times, with travel time savings of up to 30 minutes.

This will provide significant efficiencies on the strategic N25 route from Cork to Rosslare Europort while also supporting the future growth and sustainability of New Ross Town and the south east region. The scheme also links the N25 route with the N30 New Ross to Enniscorthy route.

The project is a public-private partnership (PPP) with a joint venture of BAM Civil Construction and Spanish builder Dragados responsible for construction.

It has been delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract between Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the PPP Company, consisting of BAM PPP, PGGM Infrastructure Coöperatie U.A. and Iridium Concesiones de Infraestructuras S.A.

On average, a workforce of 300 people was employed throughout construction and approximately 2.5 million work hours were completed on site to bring the scheme to fruition.

Project works include over 14km of new dual carriageway comprising the N25 and N30 National Primary Routes, one kilometre of new single carriageway comprising the N30 national primary route and three new at-grade roundabout junctions creating connections between the new mainline and the existing N25 and N30 at Glenmore, Ballymacar and Corcoran’s Cross.

The bypass road has been completed for several months and some significant works remain to be completed on the bridge prior to the road being opened with further works expected to continue once it opens.

A schedule of inspections, audits and certifications also need to be closed out before the project can open to traffic once approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland officials.

sideswipe wrote: »

Reserve list open with some talk of a second event because of demand-

https://visitnewross.ie/local/28000/new-bridge-charity-walk-reserve-list/?fbclid=IwAR0WfNelvt1bAD9589OF43ESQZTxkx_bdZ7jav5UTdM2KwR87A1gIby4fqc

From New Ross Standard today -



Bridge walk sells out in the space of a day

• New Ross Standard
• 21 Jan 2020

TICKETS for a community walk event taking place this Sunday on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge sold out within hours of the public being made aware online – leaving some people across the district furious as they were unaware of the event.
Wexford County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kilkenny County Council announced on Friday night online that people throughout the south east region were invited to join them in a charity 5K walk or run on the new N25 New Ross Bypass to raise funds for New Ross Community Hospital, Kilkenny Home Care and Special Olympics Ireland.
The online entry fee was €10 for adults and over 12s, while under 12s go free and around 1,000 tickets were sold.
This is the only opportunity people will have to walk the iconic 887m structure as once it is opened on Thursday, January 30, at noon, there is no path for foot passengers.
Walkers and joggers of all abilities were encouraged to sign up ‘as soon as possible for what promises to be a fun day out’.
Wexford County Council spokesperson David Minogue said: ‘ The event will provide an opportunity for the public to walk across this magnificent record-breaking structure before it opens to traffic, while also raising money for very worthy causes.’
The walk starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday and is being hosted in collaboration with the project PPP Company (Bam/Iridium), the project contractors ‘New Ross Joint Venture’ (BAM/Dragados), and with the support of St. Joseph’s and United Striders Athletics Clubs.
Registration for the event was through Facebook and as numbers were limited many people who do not use Facebook were not able to register and missed out on getting a ticket. It is understood issues surrounding parking and marshalling more than 1,000 people led to the limit being imposed. The event will start on the bypass at Stokestown on the County Wexford side of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, and participants will cross the bridge into Co Kilkenny before returning over the bridge back to the start point. All access to the event will be via the R733 road from New Ross town to Arthurstown, and parking will be provided at the event site.
Directions and traffic marshalling will also be provided on the day to assist drivers.
‘Registration for the event is limited and unfortunately registrations cannot be accepted on the day. All participants should bring their record of registration with them on the day, and arrive at the event in good time and as advised,’ Mr Minogue said.
‘ The event is being organised as a ‘zero waste event’ to promote and encourage a reduction in both overall waste and the use of single-use plastic products, and participants are encouraged to bring sustainably produced refreshments where possible. A small digital goodie bag will be circulated to all participants via email after the event, which will include a certificate of participation and a souvenir video clip of the event.’
Sean Dobbs, who is Wexford County Council’s Project Liaison Officer for the New Ross Bypass, said: ‘ The people of the New Ross area and the south east region have waited patiently to see this much needed project come to fruition. This event provides a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the community to walk along the scheme and over the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge prior to opening and celebrate this iconic piece of infrastructure, while also raising money for very worthy causes. We would like to thank all of our event partners for their co-operation and assistance and all those organisers and volunteers without whom charity events like this would not be possible.’

josip wrote: »

Yes, we've seen that on pics for the last 18 months.
It lessened a bit after they raised one of the spans but it's still visible, especially when lit.
I'm surprised that it's so noticeable but obviously its only an aesthetic issue and has no bearing on the bridge structure.
It would be interesting to know if it was included in the original design.

Yeh seen it before but not as "obvious" as these pictures

Slightly off topic but the new overpass bridge in the centre of this photo is to facilitate the New Ross to Waterford city greenway (The Kilkenny Greenway) project currently under construction. Its a 24km route along the old railway line and heads towards the river, as you can see, where it will have good views of the bridge. It heads back inland and rises towards Slieverue where there will be access from the rear of the Rhu Glenn Hotel car park.

It will terminate on the North Quays in Waterford. Included in the North Quay development plans is the construction of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the Suir in Waterford city (opposite the clock tower) to allow this greenway link up to the Waterford to Dungarvan greenway. Planning is underway by Wexford County Council to also convert the disused Rosslare to Waterford line which interacts with this greenway and would allow tourists cycle from Rosslare Harbour, through villages in the south of the county, to Dungarvan virtually entirely off road.

m17 wrote: »

The barrow crossing 18/01/20 (pics fb)

MichealD wrote: »

Slightly off topic but the new overpass bridge in the centre of this photo is to facilitate the New Ross to Waterford city greenway (The Kilkenny Greenway) project currently under construction. Its a 24km route along the old railway line and heads towards the river, as you can see, where it will have good views of the bridge. It heads back inland and rises towards Slieverue where there will be access from the rear of the Rhu Glenn Hotel car park.

It will terminate on the North Quays in Waterford. Included in the North Quay development plans is the construction of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the Suir in Waterford city (opposite the clock tower) to allow this greenway link up to the Waterford to Dungarvan greenway. Planning is underway by Wexford County Council to also convert the disused Rosslare to Waterford line which interacts with this greenway and would allow tourists cycle from Rosslare Harbour, through villages in the south of the county, to Dungarvan virtually entirely off road.

That explains it....I was wondering why they'd gone to the expense of building a bridge for a railway that hasn't run in 25 years!

m17 wrote: »

The barrow crossing 20/01/20 (pic twitter )

Somebody was out and about early to get that shot !

The one regret I have about the bridge actually opening is that we will miss M17’s daily posts - this thread is now my first port of call when I log on to Boards to see the latest shot that M17 has unearthed.

CoBo55 wrote: »

Did you follow his one man thread on the Tuam bypass? Absolute class, literally from field to tarmac unbelievable work:D

Absolutely class photography but I get very upset looking at pictures of the M17 as it was kidnapped and built 150km too far north - that exceptional road should be linking Cork to Limerick.......

Another walk on the Saturday

Following the huge demand from the public to attend the Charity Walk on the N25 New Ross Bypass on Sunday next, 26 January, a second date (Saturday 25 January) has now been added.

full details of the event and the on-line registration process are on Event Brite which opens at 6pm this evening.

This bridge could be closed off any Sunday for a charity walk.
What's wrong with diverting traffic back through New Ross for 4 hours any Sunday afternoon.

Thought it was sold out but just overwhelmed I think! Tried refreshing a few times and eventually got in. This is like getting Springsteen tickets!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n25-new-ross-bypass-charity-walk-saturday-tickets-90825476445

showing as sold out

Kirbstone wrote: »

...
Just wondering if one followed the given map, showing up on Saturday, would one be allowed walk, or would one's car be impounded, or something!
Tom K.

From chatting to the marshals about this, the recommended course of action is to let people park and walk across the bridge.
But not let them walk back
They'll have to go around via Ross to retrieve their car.
That'll learn them.

Molly007 wrote:

Anyone know if it would be possible to walk the bridge on Monday or Tuesday?

I'd imagine security will be Manning the entrances until the official opening

Was up on it this evening. Lots of people up walking on it. It is a fantastic piece of infrastructure.

Well done folks! Looks amazing and can't wait to use it - hopefully next weekend!

Doesn’t seem to be any real effort to stop people heading off early. I turned up over an hour early and there were dribs and drabs already heading over the bridge.

Wexford side


Kilkenny side


Short tubes are the lights that shine up the cables


One of the big expansion joints, at each end


Looking down on the former N25 from the soon-to-be N25

sideswipe wrote: »

Run/walk entry now available, limited places:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n25-new-ross-bypass-charity-walk-tickets-89815541703

Sideswipe

Major thanks for this - delighted to have got tickets thanks to the heads up you gave. We really enjoyed the walk today, a real treat and a privilege to have had the opportunity to participate. 

Some random reflections on the day:

The ascent from the Glenmore side is steep and you reach the top before the bridge is visible. An impressive slow reveal follows. There is a brown name sign here with the bridge forming a backdrop and I’d be very very surprised if this doesn’t turn into an informal lay by for visitors to stop and take pictures - a significant number of walkers stopped here and stood under the sign for pictures/selfies. (John C has posted just such a picture)
 
The ascent from the Wexford side is very surprising, most of it is on the bridge itself which I would never have expected based on the photographs of the bridge side-on (which make the bridge look almost level). It results in a dramatic upward view of the piers and cables as you ascend. 

The views from the bridge (north towards New Ross and beyond to the Blackstairs and south towards the coast and the twin stacks of Great Island power station) were much more exciting than I expected.

The Pink Rock road looks puny and desolate when viewed from above. 

The event was exceptionally well organised, marshals and stewards pleasent and helpful throughout and the entire diverse attendance in good spirits. The parking was the best I’ve seen at an event in this country.

The hillbilly radio station at the starting line was like a throwback to a 1970’s pirate. It did a great job keeping the crowd amused and informed when waiting at the starting line. The DJ mentioned that yesterday’s attendance included a 4 month old baby and a woman two weeks away from her hundredth birthday. Couldn’t help but think what that child will see in her/his lifetime if she/he reaches that lady’s age. 

The weather couldn’t have been better. Especially the blue sky over the bridge as we looked back for one last glimpse from the finishing line.
 
The first one off this morning was a lad in a wheelchair. He shot off at speed and left runners and walkers in his wake. He was well into the return leg descending towards the finishing line at great speed while we were still on the outward stretch. His face beamed the joy that comes from the thrill of speeding downhill. For a moment I was envious.

I counted six Drones (could be a double count in there). I wonder if more of the footage will be available (Hint, Hint Insta_Mavic)

There are two all too short laybys on the Wexford side of the bridge, one on either side of the road. These are well positioned and give a good view of the bridge. 

I’m not an engineer so I won’t even try to describe the elements of the construction or how impressive it all is when viewed close up. But it is amazing and impressive and a privilege to see such a fine construction from close up. 

The overall project encompasses some long sweeping curves, most of which incorporate inclines, set against a dramatic backdrop that promises to be a driver’s delight. Roll on Thursday !

I took quite a few pictures, I’ll make an effort to select and post a few decent ones if I can figure out how to do so.