Dundrum LUAS bridge
- This topic has 36 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 24 years, 1 month ago by
.
- Posts
Does anyone know anything about this? I passed the construction site last week and the size of the support really surprised me. I’d like to see a drawing of its finished appearance but I don’t even know who the architect is.
there is a picture here:
http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/dublin/dublin5.htmlThat Picture looks like the bridge could be impressive. But seeing in Renalagh, the demolition work going on at the remains of the bridge structure, I wonder are we losing some great stonework in the rush to build the new Luas.
Maybe you can take that ‘Rush’ with a pinch of salt.
The Bridge was designed by Roughan and O’Donovan and is similar to the Boyne Bridge scheme. The design was modified by the construction co. that won the tender.
The plan is to construct the deck by suspending the individual prefabricated sections over a number of weekends so it should look spectacular as its steps its way across the junction.
The old embankment at Ranelagh has been demolished to make way for the new station entrance, a disabled access lift and a retail unit.
JJ
It does look well, okay. But does anyone do traditional “non-statement” bridges nowadays or is it all pseudo-calatrava?
hmm, we certainly could do with some interesting bridges. I have to say I rather like it – you get a great view from the shopping centre.
It looks quite impressive, but i’d say more because of its scale then its design….i’m sure that i have seen something very, very similar in Britain – i just can’t think of where! Still, a couple of statements here and there would’nt hurt.
I live in Dundrum, and so have a tonne of photos of this bridge that haven’t gone online yet. Re the artist’s impression: they pulled the colouring out of their “imaginations”. It’s just concrete, and I’ll be shocked if they decide to paint it “Jesus White”.
The really nice thing is that they’ve really created a new landmark. The structure can be clearly seen from a number of distant points, achieving the same effect as the UCD water tower. And it looks very freaky from the top of three rock.
The popular name for it amongst my local peers is “The Giant A”, and as a resident with a permanent view of the top, I’m very happy with it’s design and construction.
Re tearing down old stonework. They also destroyed three old stone bridges (and a metal footbridge) along the section of line between Dundrum and sandyford. These bridges had been “lost” in between housing for decades, and would really have added and extra sense of history to the line, but not any more. I have full pictures of these too should anyone want them (just mail me).
fjp
Just for the record two of the bridges were removed to make way for a new road. The other bridges were not compatible with the clearance requirements for LUAS and Metro and had to be removed. I do think it was a shame to remove them though.
As for “non statement” bridges there are a total of seven other bridges on the Sandyford line which are quite modest.
JJ
I wonder if some brave and clever person could post the approximate cost saving if a conventional bridge was built ( safer to)
Whats the point of taking any risk at all by using high tech approach to a simple road crossingBoring, boring, boring
Think of the Frank Sherwin bridge at Heuston Station and yawn.
Why is this structure unsafe Mr Plumber?
It looks like the New Boyne Cable Bridge in Drogheda, is this unsafe as well? Doubt it
I suggested that a conventional bridge is SAFER relatively unnafected by weather / storms. FIRE ON A BRIDGE STRANDED TRAIN in strong winds
I agree that travelling to work in the morning on a train suspended by wire will certainly not be boring,(Perhaps interesting in a thunderstorm)
The bridge is short enough not to be dramatically affected by winds – its not one of those 1/4 mile suspension bridges that rarely get blown away by tornados in the States – when was the last time we got one of those (and dont say hurricane Charlie)
Fire on a bridge stranded train (no need to capitalise – the net version of shouting) – could happen on any bridge – what about the 9 arches bridge in Milltown (Or Drogheda Bridge) a much longer bridge with a greater drop to the ground or perhaps in a steep railway cutting where you can’t climb the sides(I’d prefer to take my chances with the Taney Road Bridge myself)
I’m sure that the bridge will be designed and built to withstand strong winds – and if needs be – closed should tornados become prevalent in this country (which is impossible). Thats what engineers are there for.
From the way you make the luas sound all you need is an outbreak of germ warfare and we have the 70’s disaster movie “The Cassandra Crossing”.
[This message has been edited by Rory W (edited 30 April 2002).]
I think there’s a misunderstanding of the issues around this bridge design. It is far from a “simple road crossing” as the new road layout at Taney junction precludes positioning support columns where they would normally be used to support a simple bridge. The resulting larger spans and loadings for LUAS and Metro combined with construction issues means that the design is very efficient and cost effective.
As for fire on the bridge, there’s a pedestrian footway across the bridge and emergency paths all along the trackway.
JJ
Moving off the “it might fall down” concept for a second: JJ, do you know if the pedestrian crossing will be open to the public, or is purely for access???
I’m still looking forward to completion of the bridge, and very happy with the smaller bridge now reopened by the old (dead) dundrum bowling alley.
fjp
(and plumber, were you the guy who thought the underground car park near the school in rathgar (or somewhere) could be a target for terrorists??)
Yes that’s me but I do not think it fair to start talking terrorism when all sorts of folk are seeking a career change for the better and your vote to make it possible…
I think the spike is worthy of debate though
but surely this will be shelved like the Berty Bowl in favour of better health services.The bridge footpath will be a permanent arrangement not just an emergency walkway. There’s a ramp and steps at the Churchtown end and hopefully a piece of sculpture will be sited in this area. The Metro in the future may lead to some restrictions however.
JJ
Plumber: I really didn’t understand what you meant about career changes….it made no sense.
JJ: thank you for making my day!!! Hell, you made my whole week!!!! It makes it so much better that the public can use the bridge as a walkway as well. I’m really looking forward to that (probably a little too much).
fjp
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
