10/09/2026
Pictured today (Wednesday) is the latest milestone to be reached in the Narrow Water Bridge construction:
For the first time, passersby can now get a sense of how the bridge will eventually span the river, as two new 65m structures extend from each bank. The gap visible in the centre of the new framework has been left to allow the barge that will carry the bridge’s three sections to move into position. Once in place, each section will be carefully lowered from the barge onto the tracks and moved into its final position.
The barge carrying the two major bridge sections and a 98.6m pylon is due to arrive at Warrenpoint Harbour from Belgium in early 2027. Weighing a total of 2245 tonnes, the sections will then be transported upriver.
When the tidal conditions are right, the bridge sections and pylon will be floated into position before being transferred onto AMCE's bespoke skid track system and rolled and jacked into place ahead of the construction of the permanent cable-stayed structure.
When complete, the new Narrow Water Bridge will consist of a 138m cable-stayed deck, a 98.6m cable-stayed pylon and a 56m opening span over the navigable channel of the River Newry for boats to pass through. The bridge is a flagship initiative under the Shared Island Fund and has been designed to accommodate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
