For general interest, the first question always centres on span; below is a clear comparison of the spans between the built RFK bridge and the narrowest span in Strangford Lough where previously proposed to construct the SLC bridge:

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge:

• Main spans: 2 x 230m spans
• Total bridge length: 887m
• Deck width: Approximately 22m
• Navigation clearance height: 36m
• Completed in 2020

Current Strangford Ferry Crossing:

• Ferry crossing distance: Approximately 0.6 nautical miles (approximately 1.1km)
• Navigation channel width at crossing point: 117m
• Required navigation clearance height: 36m

A bridge at Strangford would likely require similar navigation clearance requirements as the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge given:

1. Both locations have commercial shipping requirements
2. Both require 36m clearance above high water for navigation
3. Both cross environmentally sensitive waterways

However, there are some key differences:

• The Strangford crossing point is shorter (approximately 600m at its narrowest compared to 887m total length for Rose Kennedy)
• The terrain on the western side of Strangford is higher, which could reduce required approach spans compared to Rose Kennedy

This analysis suggests that a bridge at Strangford could potentially be constructed with slightly shorter spans than the Rose Kennedy Bridge, while still meeting navigation requirements. However, detailed engineering studies would be required to determine the optimal span arrangement based on the specific site conditions, environmental considerations and navigation requirements.

The Rose Kennedy Bridge demonstrates that modern bridge construction techniques can successfully deliver large span crossings meeting similar navigation constraints to those at Strangford. Its successful delivery provides a relevant reference point for considering the technical feasibility of a fixed crossing at Strangford.

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Below is a detailed comparison between the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (RFK) Bridge and potential Strangford Lough crossing (SLC), analyzing key aspects and learnings:

1. Navigation Requirements
   RFK Bridge:

• 36m clearance above high water
• 117m navigation channel width
• Designed for commercial shipping access

Strangford:

• Also requires 36m clearance (confirmed by Port of New Ross)
• Similar navigation channel requirements for commercial vessels
• Active commercial port requiring maintained access

Learning: Navigation requirements are very similar, demonstrating technical feasibility of achieving required clearances.

2. Environmental Considerations
   RFK Bridge:

• Required minimal piers in water
• Built in Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Hydrodynamic modeling used to minimize impact
• Required detailed environmental studies

Strangford:

• Also in SAC/environmentally sensitive area
• Similar requirements for minimal water-based piers
• Would require equivalent environmental protections
• Port and marine ecology considerations parallel

Learning: Environmental challenges can be successfully managed through proper design and mitigation measures.

3. Construction Methodology
   RFK Bridge:

• Used balanced cantilever construction
• Extradosed bridge design
• Built with minimal temporary works in water
• Construction took approximately 4 years
• Required careful staging and sequencing

Strangford Potential:

• Could utilize similar construction methods
• Extradosed design could be suitable
• Would need similar water access management
• Comparable construction timeline likely
• Would benefit from RFK experience

Learning: Modern construction techniques proven successful for similar marine environment.

4. Cost Considerations
   RFK Bridge:

• Total project cost approximately €150 million
• Delivered through PPP model
• Included significant approach works
• Economy of scale benefits achieved

Strangford Estimate:

• Would likely be similar order of magnitude cost
• PPP model could be considered
• Approach works may be less extensive
• Could benefit from RFK cost benchmarks

Learning: Cost frameworks and delivery models established.

5. Technical Design
   RFK Bridge:

• 887m total length
• 230m main spans
• 22m deck width
• Concrete construction
• Three towers design
• Modern extradosed form

Strangford Requirements:

• Approximately 600m crossing length
• Could use similar span arrangements
• Similar deck width needed
• Could adopt similar materials
• Tower arrangement to be optimized
• Similar structural form possible

Learning: Technical solutions proven and transferable.

6. Public/Stakeholder Engagement
   RFK Bridge:

• Required extensive consultation
• Managed multiple stakeholder interests
• Visual impact carefully considered
• Construction impacts managed

Strangford Needs:

• Similar consultation required
• Comparable stakeholder groups
• Visual impact critical given location
• Construction impact management needed

Learning: Stakeholder engagement frameworks established.

7. Operation & Maintenance
   RFK Bridge:

• Modern maintenance systems built in
• Access provisions incorporated
• 25-year maintenance contract
• Whole life costing approach

Strangford Requirements:

• Would need similar provisions
• Access systems required
• Long-term maintenance planning needed
• Whole life approach recommended

Learning: Maintenance requirements well understood.

8. Project Delivery
   RFK Bridge:

• Clear project governance
• Strong risk management
• Effective contractor engagement
• Quality control systems

Strangford Application:

• Could adopt similar governance
• Risk management frameworks transferable
• Contractor experience available
• Quality systems replicable

Learning: Project delivery systems proven effective.

Key Overall Learnings from RFK Bridge:

1. Technical Feasibility: Demonstrates that large span bridges can be successfully built in similar marine environments.
2. Environmental Management: Shows how environmental impacts can be effectively mitigated through design and construction.
3. Construction Methods: Proves effectiveness of modern construction techniques for similar challenges.
4. Cost Control: Provides relevant cost benchmarks and delivery model options.
5. Stakeholder Management: Establishes frameworks for managing complex stakeholder requirements.
6. Quality & Safety: Demonstrates achievement of high standards in marine environment.
7. Maintenance Planning: Shows importance of incorporating whole-life considerations in design.

Based on detailed review of documentation, the successes and lessons learned from the RFK Bridge provide strong evidence that a fixed crossing at Strangford is technically feasible and could be delivered successfully using similar approaches. The RFK Bridge provides valuable recent experience in delivering a major bridge project in Ireland under comparable conditions.