Samuel Beckett Bridge

Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin (Ireland)

As is well known, Dublin is the capital of Ireland, located on the banks of the River Liffey, so bridges - it is an integral part. One of the most interesting bridges of the city is undoubtedly the Samuel Beckett Bridge, which decided to call in honor of the famous writer. It connects the southern and northern parts of the city. Architect Bridge became famous Spaniard Santiago Calatrava.

This bridge is made in the form of a harp, which is considered a symbol of Ireland. The coat of arms of the country can see the image of the harp with silver strings, which since the XIII century is considered a political symbol of Ireland. Bridge - a movable hanging support that hold twenty-five metal cables that are based on the same basis. Prop curved shape, it is supported by six additional cables. This unusual design and a special system of rotational units allow the bridge to expand ninety degrees when the river Liffey boats sail large sizes.

Construction of the bridge began back in 1998. The bridge has one hundred and twenty feet long and forty-eight meters wide. First he collected in the Netherlands, and in 2008 moved to Ireland. Its construction was entrusted to the company "Graham Hollandia Joint Venture", which is famous for the fact that I was able to build the world's largest ferris wheel called the "London Eye". For the construction of this one of the most interesting sights of the city took sixty million euros, though it was supposed to spend the entire eleven million. The bridge could establish only the third time since work interferes with a strong wind. However, the opening of the bridge was even earlier than planned.

Tenth day of October, 2009, the solemn ceremony on the bridge were the first pedestrians, vehicles were allowed to pass only the next morning. The opening was attended by many famous personalities, such as the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello, actor Barry McGovern and, of course, relatives Beckett. Now the bridge chetyrёhpolosnoe motion, which was carried out traffic control, there are two sidewalks for pedestrians. Despite its originality and beautiful appearance, the bridge has been criticized because in order to get to it, you need to pass through another toll bridge.

Samuel Beckett Bridge is considered a new city landmark, but blends harmoniously with the types of the ancient city, the streets who is remembered for centuries.