Barrow Bridge

For the model village in Bolton, England, see Barrow Bridge, Bolton.

Barrow Bridge is a single track steel railway bridge in the south east of the Republic of Ireland.

Barrow Bridge open to allow boat upstream to New Ross (1997).

The bridge links Counties Kilkenny and Wexford, and is close to Great Island Power Station near Cheekpoint. It is 2,131 ft (650 m) in length and 26 ft (7.9 m) above the high water mark, and is the longest railway bridge in Ireland. There are 11 spans of 148 ft (45 m), the end spans are 144 ft (44 m) each and the opening span is 215 ft (66 m). It was built by the Glaswegian firm of Sir William Arrol and Co. It spans the River Barrow just upstream from its confluence with another of The Three Sisters: the River Suir. It is preceded by a short tunnel 217 ft (66 m) in length on the Kilkenny side. It was built between 1902 and 1906 to a design by Sir Benjamin Baker.

It operated until passenger services between Rosslare Harbour and Waterford ceased in 2010. It still opens approximately twice daily to permit shipping and yachts to pass upstream to New Ross. It is maintained by Iarnród Éireann, the Irish rail operator. It is majestically located within an area of great natural beauty. Coordinates: 52°24′49″N 6°56′48″W / 52.413630°N 6.946583°W / 52.413630; -6.946583


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