SPAR Bridge

Dublin, Ireland

2020 — ongoing

Client Dublin Port Company

Infrastructure · Road & Rail

A new bridge for Dublin Port’s Masterplan, removing port traffic from the public road network, while forming a graceful and contemporary landmark for Dublin’s cityscape.

Diagram showing two side views of a bridge design. The upper section illustrates the bridge with an extended element, possibly a sail or canopy, while the lower section shows the bridge without the extension.

Connecting the north and south sides of Ireland’s largest freight and passenger port, the bridge will unlock significant capacity at the seaport, while improving Dublin’s wider transport system. It will also provide active travel connections across the River Liffey.

Allowing ships to pass through Dublin’s historic navigation channel, this single-leaf bascule bridge features an innovative opening mechanism. Supported by a pair of reclining steel arms, a reconstituted granite counterweight ‘portal’ lowers on dedicated pivots while the opening deck lifts. This design solution allows the counterweight to operate more efficiently, minimising the bridge’s embodied and operational carbon, while creating an unexpected and impressively choreographed opening sequence.

Close-up of modern building architecture featuring an angled facade with a crisscross pattern and metal framework, against an overcast sky. The design highlights geometric repetition and structural detail.

Modern architectural structure featuring intersecting beams and cables against a clear sky. The design is minimalist, showcasing sharp angles and clean lines.

‘Dublin Port’s ambitious €1.1 billion Masterplan 2040 is set to reach a pivotal milestone with the proposed addition of a striking new bridge designed by Cowi, Moxon, and RPS.’

The bridge’s pedestrian route will form part of Dublin’s wider travel network, and the vehicle route holds potential to be increased for Dublin's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Designed with RPS and long-time collaborator COWI, this is our first project in Dublin, and it is set to play a key role in the city’s future.