Peace Bridge (Foyle)

The Peace Bridge is a cycle and foot bridge across the River Foyle in Derry, Northern Ireland. It opened on 25 June 2011, connecting Ebrington Square with the rest of the city centre. It is the newest of three bridges in the city, the others being the Craigavon Bridge and the Foyle Bridge. The 235 metres (771 ft) bridge was designed by AECOM, who also designed the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, who also designed the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.[2][3]

A view of the Peace Bridge showing both sides of the river and a passing train

Peace Bridge
Coordinates	54.9980°N 7.3163°W / 54.9980; -7.3163
Carries	Cyclists Pedestrians
Crosses	River Foyle
Locale	Derry, Northern Ireland
Characteristics
Design	Self-anchored suspension bridge
Total length	235 m (771 ft)[1]
Width	4 m (13 ft)
Longest span	101 m (331 ft)
History
Opened	25 June 2011

The bridge was opened to the public by EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn; accompanied by the First and deputy First Ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness; and the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny.[4] It is intended to improve relations between the largely unionist 'Waterside' on the east bank with the largely nationalist 'Cityside' on the west bank, by improving access between these areas, as part of wider regeneration plans. The bridge also provides a crossing over the railway line approaching Waterside station. The asymetrical bridge, which is 235 m (770 ft) long and 4 m (13 ft) metre wide, is supported by two sloping pillars and symbolises a coming-together of the two communities. Its curved footpath, track and cycleway link the Guildhall, in the centre of the city, with Ebrington Square in the Waterside area, and St. Columb's Park.[5]