Proposal for a new bridge in the Tolka Estuary s allowing the connection of the existing Clontarf Cycle route with a safer and more enjoyable route to the Docklands and beyond.
Cycling in Dublin needs to be made more seductive. The S2S (Sutton to Sandycove) is a proposed 22km cycle and pedestrian route around Dublin Bay. This project is for a new bridge across the estuary at Clontarf on the natural desire-line connecting the north and south sides of the S2S. Crossing the bridge across the estuary would be similar in length to the existing causeway and bridge to Bull Island. It is situated in an area of shallow water.
The bridge would be suitable for pedestrians and cyclists and would encourage a modal shift to commuter cycling. Cyclists could build up speed as it is a safe level route, segregated from traffic and with minimal intersections. For walkers and runners it greatly improves the central portion of the S2S, making crossing the city more enticing and, thereby, allowing the S2S reach its full potential.
From proposed bridge, the route follows an existing underutilised road alongside the Dublin Port Wall and then onto East Wall Road to the River Liffey. There is space on this route to provide safe, segregated contra-flow cycle and walking lanes. The existing S2S route to the south side is a 1.6km detour away from the coast into the least scenic, most polluted, hilly and heavily trafficked part of the entire route. The realisation of this route would enhance cycling in the city, connect communities, and be an exciting central link on the Sutton to Sandycove cycle/pedestrian route.
This project was exhibited as part of ‘Pause’ in Darc Space, Dublin’s Architecture Gallery from May to June 2010. ‘Pause‘ documented and exhibited the best of unbuilt Irish architecture under four headings; Housing, Infrastructure, Mixed Use and Public buildings. A catalogue book, also entitled ‘Pause’ was published to accompany the exhibition.
