The 50.9-metre structure is the only one of its kind in Ireland as it is the only surviving pedestrian suspension bridge of its type and age.
Cork City Council is seeking Part 8 planning permission for the project, as well as submissions from the public on the scheme.
Rehabilitation and conservation works on the main steel structure will include;
• Vegetation removal, cleaning and graffiti removal
• Phased dismantling of the latticed deck for removal off-site for grit-blasting, repair & repainting before reinstatement
• Removal and replacement of timber decking.
Key steel elements of the bridge will be temporarily taken down, including the latticed deck and the original iron railings on the southern ferry boat quay. Dismantling the bridge for repair off-site is considered best practice and has been undertaken successfully on a number of similar bridge schemes across Europe.
-- Advertisement --
Cork City Council Senior Engineer, Fergus Gleeson, said: "By undertaking the critical repair, conservation and repainting works in the controlled conditions of a factory setting, we will ensure that the people of Cork will enjoy a more durable bridge better able to resist the effects of weather when it is put back in place.
"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. Working offsite also serves to reduce potential impact on the environment as the likelihood of blast debris entering the river is reduced. In all cases the cables on the bridge need to be replaced which would necessitate temporary dismantling of the structure."
Landscaping works are also to be undertaken on the north and south side of the bridge and lighting in the area improved; works which should also help deter anti social behaviour.
Elsewhere, works will be carried out on the north and south side approaches to the bridge including the removal of palisade fencing on the north approach and railing on the southern ramp and replacement with railings in keeping with the originals. When first built, the bridge's abutment (support structure) openings and approach ramp arches were open. However, these openings were later filled in with blocks. This infill will be removed and the ferry boat quay next to the southern ramp will be restored as part of the project.
The council hopes that tenders will be awarded by year's end, with works started within week and the refurbished bridge re-instated by the end of the summer next year.
(LM/CM)
