The Living Bridge

The Living Bridge (Irish: An Droichead Beo) is a pedestrian bridge across the River Shannon linking the University of Limerick’s premises in County Limerick and County Clare.

The Living Bridge

An Droichead Beo
The Living Bridge over the River Shannon
on the UL campus
Coordinates52.6764°N 8.5706°W / 52.6764; -8.5706
CarriesPedestrians
CrossesRiver Shannon
LocaleLimerick University
Characteristics
DesignWilkinson Eyre Architects
Total length350m
History
Constructed byEiffel Constructions Metalliques
Opened2007

The bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects to provide social and cultural space to encourage pedestrians to rest a while as they cross along the gently curved structure. At this point on the Shannon it is wide and shallow with many wooded islands which provide varied views and support for the piers. The deck is supported by two underslung catenary cables. Financed through a Public-private partnership, construction was undertaken by Eiffel Constructions Metalliques and completed in November 2007 at a cost of €12 million. At 350 metres it is the longest pedestrian bridge in Ireland.[1][2]

Awards and commendations

RIBA European Awards and Institution of Structural Engineers winner structural awards 2008 (Pedestrian Bridges). French Steel Construction Syndicate declared it as the most beautiful steel work (Bridges Category) in 2008.[3]

References
  1. "The Pedestrian Living Bridge". Ulfoundation.com. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  2. "University of Limerick: Living Bridge". Wilkinson Eyre Architects. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  3. "Living Bridge, University of Limerick". Arup.com. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
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