The Project:
Waterford second River Crossing – The Beginning
In 1996, a Steering Committee, which included representation from Waterford City Council, Waterford County Council, Kilkenny County Council and the National Roads Authority was set up to examine the proposal to provide a second river crossing for Waterford.
A detailed study /report (1997) completed by Ewbank Preece O’hEocha (now Mott McDonald Pettit) on behalf of the above steering committee concluded:
- That the need for, and economic justification of, an additional river crossing was clearly established.
- That a road network was recommended to tie-in to the proposed river crossing (between Gracedieu (Waterford) and Grannagh (Kilkenny)). This road network included a comprehensive set of approach roads (N9, N24, N25) as well as the Southern Ring Road (known locally as the Outer Ring Road – from Waterford Regional Hospital to Knockhouse which was completed in 2007.
From 1997 to 2001, the three Local Authorities, Tramore House Regional Design Office, National Roads Authority together with the consultancy assistance of Mott McDonald (previously Ewbank Preece O’hEocha) moved the project forward from the feasibility study/report to the following milestone events:
- Route Selection
- Partnership Agreement – Waterford City Council, Waterford County Council and Kilkenny County Council
- Compulsory Purchase Order (No. 1) 2001
- Bridge Order
- Foreshore Licence/Lease
- Environmental Impact Assessment/Statement – 2001
- Toll Scheme
- Compulsory Purchase Order (No. 7) 2006
- Environmental Impact Assessment/Statement 2006
