Rosie Hackett Bridge, Dublin 1

The bridge was designed to sit comfortably within a sensitive and historic setting, responding carefully in scale, material and detail. Although it carries heavy traffic, it is calm, elegant and people friendly. Its open edges, angled balustrades, integrated seating and planting allow pedestrians to pause, rest and enjoy views across the River Liffey.

The bridge is a single span high strength concrete structure with a very shallow structural depth and a gently parabolic underside. The portal frame arrangement minimises loading on the existing quay walls, allowing the bridge to meet demanding traffic requirements while protecting the historic river infrastructure. Its span to depth ratio of approximately 1 to 100 pushed the use of high strength concrete in Ireland at the time.

The design balances structural ambition with civic restraint. The bridge was chosen for its elegance, low visual impact and sensitivity to environmental, archaeological and conservation considerations. It has quickly become an accepted part of the Dublin streetscape, showing how a technically complex public transport crossing can also create a generous and welcoming urban place.

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