AECOM designed a new pedestrian and cycle bridge for Kilkenny City in Ireland. It is the first bridge to be built in the area for more than three decades and the only pedestrian bridge in the whole city. The 130-foot long structure is known as the ‘Lady Desart Bridge’, named after one of the area’s greatest philanthropists, and crosses the River Nore from Bateman Quay to John’s Quay.

AECOM delivered preliminary design, detailed design, contract supervision and administration for all public realm areas, service diversions, mobility access ramps and the bridge’s structure. AECOM also delivered all environmental aspects of the project, which were highly important as the River Nore is an environmentally sensitive area.

The bridge will have a significant impact on Kilkenny’s public realm, providing shoppers, visitors and residents easy access to the city’s main shopping area from a large local car park. Funding was provided by ‘Smarter Travel’, an Irish government initiative that sets out how the vision of a sustainable travel and transport system can be achieved. The objective of Smarter Travel is to fund projects that encourage people to walk and cycle rather than travel by car. As well as improving people’s health, this initiative aims to improve the environment and cut congestion.