WATERFORD'S long campaign for a second bridge over the Suir river took an important step towards fruition yesterday when the city authorities endorsed a consultants' report recommending a location for the £65 million project,
The report suggests the proposed bridge and some 12 km of approach roads should be located north of Rice Bridge, which is used by an average 28,000 vehicles a day.
The new bridge and road system will link Co Waterford and Co Kilkenny and provide a northern by-pass for Waterford city. The bridge will span the river from Gracedieu on the northern edge of Waterford city to Grannagh on the Kilkenny side of the Suir.
Local representatives in both counties have welcomed the recommended siting. Waterford Corporation was informed this week that funding for the preparatory phase of the project is included in the mid-term review of European structural funds.
Mr Eddie Breen, the Waterford city manager, said yesterday that the bulk of the funding requirement would arise after the expiry of the present structural funds programme, but it was expected that continuing support would be forthcoming from the EU.
Work will begin immediately on planning, consultation and the preparation of compulsory purchase orders. An environmental impact statement must be drawn up and a bridge order will have to be issued by the Government.
"Given the required approvals, I would expect construction to start in three years' time, and that the second crossing and its approach roads would be completed, in a further three to four years, said Mr Breen.
Following sanction by the National Roads Authority, the Cork consultants, Ewbank Preece O hEocha, carried out a survey and prepared computer models of traffic flow. Up to 16 possible crossing sites were examined. The report highlighted the economic justification for the second crossing.
The Mayor of Waterford, Mr Pat Power, said the presentation and adoption of the consultants' report marked a milestone for the project. He said the project would require the co-operation of both citizens and authorities.