Traffic Management
The construction of the new bridge requires careful coordination to ensure the safety of both road users and marine traffic. Throughout the project, temporary traffic management measures will be in place on surrounding roads, as well as navigation controls on the waterway.
Traffic Management Updates
Notice of Temporary Closure to section of Greenway and Associated Diversion Route
The Narrow Water Bridge Project Team wishes to advise members of the public that a section of the Greenway adjacent to the bridge works will be temporarily closed from September 2026 until the end of February 2027 to facilitate the next major phase in the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge.
This stage of the project marks a significant construction milestone and will involve the delivery, assembly and installation of some of the bridge’s largest structural components, including:
- The South Abutment Bridge Pylon;
- Deck 1; and
- Deck 2, which together form the bridge’s fixed span.
Read more…
These operations will involve large-scale lifting activities, specialist construction equipment, heavy vehicle movements and the establishment of extensive safety exclusion zones. To ensure the safety of both the public and the construction workforce, it will not be possible to maintain public access through the affected section of the Greenway while these works are in progress.
Progress on the project to date has been positive, with a number of key milestones successfully achieved. The temporary marine piling works required for the skid beam system have been completed, and the installation of the bracing system for the skid track has recently been finalised. These works form an important part of the infrastructure required to facilitate the safe delivery and installation of the bridge superstructure.
In parallel, significant progress continues to be made off-site, with fabrication of the bridge components at an advanced stage. The project is now moving from the foundations and enabling works phase into the highly visible bridge erection phase that will see the structure begin to take shape over Carlingford Lough.
We recognise that the temporary closure will cause inconvenience to walkers, runners, cyclists and other users of the route. However, these works are essential to enable the safe construction of the bridge and to maintain the safety of both the public and the workforce.
The Narrow Water Bridge will provide a landmark cross-border connection and, once completed, will significantly enhance connectivity, tourism, active travel opportunities and economic benefits for communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough.
Further information regarding alternative routes, signage arrangements and construction updates will be provided in advance of the closure.
We would like to thank the local community, residents and Greenway users for their continued patience, understanding and support as we deliver this important infrastructure project.
Construction Animations
Below are animations showing the next phase of the works.
- Animation 1 – South Abutment Fixed Bridge Pylon
- Animation 2 – Deck 1 (Boot Section)
- Animation 3 – Deck 2
- Animation 4 – Installation of Pylon
- Animation 5 – Erection of Pylon to Support Tower
- Animation 6 – Bridge Construction Sequence
- Traffic Management Plans
R173 (ROI)
Following the successful completion of the new roundabout junction on the R173 in December 2024, temporary signage and speed restrictions remain to facilitate construction traffic entering and leaving the site.
Traffic is flowing well and road users are now familiar with the new junction layout.
Please note that the site access is for construction traffic only. Please obey all traffic signage advising that there is no public access.
A2 (NI)
We have completed the road widening works required to facilitate delivery of the main bridge works in early 2027.
The A2 approach to Warrenpoint has been reinstated to two lanes to improve traffic flow.
The A2 leaving Warrenpoint towards Newry will remain under a Lane 1 closure on the approach to the dual carriageway roundabout until the permanent road works are completed following delivery of the main bascule (opening) bridge section.
A 40 mph enforced speed limit remains in place in both directions to improve safety for road users and the construction workforce. Please obey all traffic management measures.
Marine (River Works):
A notice to mariners remains in place for navigation channel directions, which mariners must follow for passing traffic. Works will shortly commence in December 2025 through to June 2026 as construction works ramp up on the river ahead of the delivery of the first bridge sections arriving and being installed in 2026.
Key Events Schedule
Track the key moments in the creation of the Narrow Water Bridge, from early planning and design through to each major stage of construction.
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