Barrow Bridge

For the model village in Bolton, England, see Barrow Bridge, Bolton.

Barrow Bridge
A boat passing through the opening of Barrow Bridge with 3 tug boats helping
A photo of Barrow Bridge open with a boat passing through.
Coordinates52°16′53″N 7°00′05″W / 52.28146°N 7.00138°W / 52.28146; -7.00138
CarriesTrains
CrossesRiver Barrow
LocaleCounty Kilkenny and County Wexford
Other name(s)Barrow Viaduct
Barrow Railway Bridge
Maintained byIarnród Éireann
Characteristics
Designpratt truss
MaterialSteel
Total length2,131 ft (650 m)
Clearance below26 ft (7.9 m)
History
ArchitectSir Benjamin Baker
Constructed bySir William Arrol
Fabrication bySir William Arrol and Co.
Construction start1902
Construction end1906
Opened1906
Closed2010[1]
Location
Map

Barrow rail bridge, (or the Barrow viaduct), is a pratt truss[2] type of railway bridge that spans the river Barrow between County Kilkenny and County Wexford in the south east of Ireland. This rural landmark with a length of 2,131 ft (650 m) is the longest bridge on the river.[3] It was second longest bridge in Ireland[4][3] and the third longest rail bridge in the British Isles.[4][3] Designed by Sir Benjamin Baker and built by the firm of Sir William Arrol. It is known locally as Barrow Bridge.

Part of a development to improve cross-channel passenger services.[3][5] The steel truss single track bridge was built between 1902 and 1906 by English and Irish railway companies, it operated passenger services between Rosslare Harbour and Waterford until 2010. It is maintained by Iarnród Éireann, the Irish rail operator.[5]

This bridge is one of six rail bridges of 45 bridges on the Barrow.[3] It spans the river just upstream from its confluence with another of the three sisters the River Suir. Close to Great Island Power Station near Cheekpoint. It is the last bridge on the river Barrow and opens approximately twice daily to permit shipping and yachts to pass upstream to New Ross.[citation needed]

In 2021, reports in local media suggested the bridge would be permanently opened to shipping.[6] This proposal was later reversed. After a collision with a ship in February 2022, Irish Rail announced plans to pin the bridge open in December 2022 to perform repair works.[7]

In May 2024, the repair project on the bridge was confirmed as part of a capital investment plan in the South East region.[8]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference AnTaisce was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hamond1990 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference Duffy2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference archiseek was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference IarnrodEireann was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Barrow Bridge must not be left in open position says rail advocacy group". Waterford News & Star. 5 June 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  7. ^ "Barrow Bridge repair will run into millions". Waterford News & Star. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Re-opening the Barrow Bridge is a top priority for Waterford and south east region". Irish Independent. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2024.