Proposed footbridge across the River Lagan, Belfast
Contents
A DRD press release dated 7 January 2015 included the following: The proposed bridge is a 141 metre long cable stayed bridge designed for use by pedestrians and cyclists. It will have a steel deck and 40 metre high steel towers which will be constructed close to the banks of the River Lagan, leaving the main central section of the river free from obstruction. . . . . It will also include a pedestrian and cycle crossing on Ormeau Embankment Road to allow access into Ormeau Park . . . . the preferred design is the least expensive of the three options and is expected to have the least environmental impact during construction. In addition, the steel towers will be built close to the banks of the river which will minimise the impact on the river.
My understanding is that Option 3 Revision A is the one picked as the final version. Option 10 was similar but with the bridge extending across the Ormeau Embankment into Ormeau Park. A link Link (working on 12 January 2015 but which might become broken as the scheme proceeds) showing the ten options considered and the feasibility reports.
This is a collection of photographs intending to show the area before, during and after the works. It appears as a neutral matter of geographical and historical record only. I have no connection with the DRD, Belfast City Council, any company, engineer, designer or other body connected with the scheme. I have no opinion, for or against, the proposal or any of the designs.
First prepared 27 January 2014.
Updated 12 January 2015 – new photographs: Ravenhill Reach
11 January 2015
Ravenhill Reach21 November 2014
Test boring, Ormeau Embankment20 November 2014
Survey barge, Ravenhill ReachA feasibility report dated 17 April 2014, prepared by the DRD, includes the following:
5.10 Geology and Soils
Within the study area the underlying bedrock is Sherwood Sandstone, which is overlain by superficial deposits of raised marine alluvial clays, overlying glacial sands and silts.
The superficial deposits along the riverbanks are likely to be contaminated especially on the Gasworks side of the river. The sediment on the river bed is also contaminated with PCBs. There are a number of potentially contaminated sites within the vicinity of the scheme.
The foundations for all bridge options would need to be piled due to the extent of the tidal mud flats, the soft alluvial deposits and the depths to competent rock which appears to range from 7.4m to a depth of 15m in the vicinity of the Ormeau Embankment. Piling has the potential to result in disturbance of contaminated sediments on the riverbed and on the riverbanks, as well as potentially creating preferential pathways for release of contaminants.
14 November 2014
Survey barge, Ravenhill Reach12 November 2014
Survey barge, Ravenhill Reach10 November 2014
Survey barge, Ravenhill Reach slipway1 November 2014
Survey barge near McConnell’s Weir27 January 2014
River Lagan
(February 2013) the proposed footbridge bridge would cross the Lagan in the lower half of this view from the Albert Bridge.(November 2010) the proposed footbridge would be visible at middle/top in this view of the Cromac Lock.
(May 2008) the proposed footbridge would be visible in the background of this view of McConnell’s Weir.
(November 2005) the proposed footbridge would cross the Lagan at the middle/right in this view.
(June 2009) the proposed footbridge would cross the Lagan in the middle of this photograph.
Walkway
(December 2009) the proposed footbridge bridge would start, close to the Gasworks, at the upper right in this view.Other similar bridges
In alphabetical orderAberfeldy
Dublin
Gateshead
Glasgow
London
Londonderry
Salford/Manchester
Stockton-on-Tees
Swansea
Worcester
York