DERRY
The Saunders Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge is a new 40-metre weathering steel bridge spanning the Royal Canal in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Designed by Design ID Consulting Ltd and delivered by Murphy for Westmeath County Council, the bridge improves connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists while creating a striking new landmark within the town.
The project has since been shortlisted in the Irish Steel Awards in the Constructional Steelwork – Civil Works category, recognising the quality of its design, fabrication and construction.
The bridge structure required specialist bearing solutions capable of safely transferring vertical and horizontal loads between the steel superstructure and concrete abutments while allowing the controlled movement and rotation required throughout the bridge’s service life.
Given the structural demands of the project, bearings were required that combined long-term durability, minimal maintenance requirements and reliable performance under varying loading conditions.
SDG worked alongside Murphy by providing technical assistance and supplying specialist GUMBA reinforced elastomeric bridge bearings for the project.
GUMBA Type C(2) reinforced elastomeric bearings were supplied, comprising of both Guided Bearings and Free Bearings.
Manufactured using reinforced steel plates vulcanised within a specially formulated elastomer, GUMBA Type C(2) bearings provide a durable, low-maintenance solution for bridge structures. Their double steel plate construction offers slip protection while accommodating controlled movement, rotation and the transfer of structural loads between the bridge deck and supporting substructure.
The completed bridge now provides a safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle crossing across the Royal Canal, improving local connectivity while complementing the surrounding landscape.
By combining technical support with the supply of specialist GUMBA bridge bearings, SDG helped Murphy deliver a high-quality infrastructure project that has already gained national recognition through its shortlisting for the Irish Steel Awards.
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