Restored Cork bridge ‘will still shake,’ say engineers

A major restoration project on one of Ireland’s landmark bridges will dampen its famous shake — but not eliminate it.

The assurance has come from engineers overseeing the restoration and conservation work designed to save the iconic Daly Bridge in Cork — known to generations of locals as the ‘Shaky Bridge’ because of its wobble — for which planning is being sought today.

They said while the bridge will shake a little less afterwards, most people will not even notice the difference.

Confirmation that the shake will be retained comes as Cork City Council embarks today on the formal Part 8 planning application process for the restoration of the unique suspension footbridge which links Fitzgerald’s Park to Shanakiel on the northside.

Opened in 1927 to replace an earlier ferry crossing at the same location, it is the only suspension bridge in Cork City and one of only four nationally. It is the only surviving pedestrian suspension bridge of its type and age in the country.

Pending approvals, it is hoped that tenders will be awarded by the end of the year, that work will start weeks later, and that the restored bridge will reopen to the public by mid summer 2019.

City council engineer Fergus Gleeson, who is overseeing the scheme, said repairs have been required for some time to address extensive corrosion and damage to the 50.9m structure.

However, he said thanks to funding from the Department of Transport, the project will include a lot more than repairs.

"This is a mini-public realm project,” said Mr Gleeson. “We will also be improving the setting of the bridge, improving access routes, improving lighting by installing lights on the handrails and towers."

“We have consulted extensive historical documents to ensure that we restore the bridge as close to the original as possible. We feel a great responsibility to restore it as close as possible to the original.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind structure in Ireland. It is a rare opportunity to work on a structure like this. The entire team feels fortunate and honoured to be able to work on it.”

Amid concerns about the condition of the structure, a detailed structural assessment was ordered in December 2016 which highlighted a range of issues, including corrosion of its lattice steel work and the need for cable replacement.

Experts warned that urgent repairs were needed to save the bridge from ‘load restriction’ or closure.

Engineers will have to dismantle the bridge and remove it for work off-site.

Key steel elements will be repaired and repainted, including the latticed deck.

Mr Gleeson said dismantling for off-site repairs is best practice.

"Inclement weather conditions during the winter would also prevent this work being carried out on site, as would concerns around site personnel working at height for prolonged periods of time over the river,” he said.

“Working off-site also serves to reduce potential impact on the environment as the likelihood of blast debris entering the river is reduced.”

Landscaping works will be undertaken on the north and south side of the bridge, and lighting improved.

Works will also be carried out on the north and south side approaches, including the removal of palisade fencing on the north approach, and railings on the southern ramp, and replacement with original-style railings.

RPS Consulting Engineers were awarded the contract for the design and construction supervision of the works, with conservation architects JCA providing expertise.