Translink welcomed Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, to the construction site of Belfast Grand Central Station where work continues at pace.
Major piling operations have recently been completed for the new state-of-the-art integrated station by main works contractor, Farrans Sacyr, while GRAHAM’s civil engineering team build an impressive new bridge, set to span the new realigned track and bring buses into the new facility.
These milestones represent significant progress in the delivery of this world-class transport hub. In total over 1400 piles have been placed in five months which will be used to support the main station superstructure. The bridge is also taking shape with a span of 51 metres, longer than an Olympic-size swimming pool, and weighing in at around 480 tonnes. It has been sustainably designed using weathered steel, a low carbon solution providing better strength and resilience to corrosion with nominal maintenance.
Viewing these latest developments, Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd welcomed the progress on this important NI Executive Flagship project, saying:
“I was delighted to visit the site to view progress on the new Belfast Grand Central Station. This significant regeneration project will deliver a modern, high quality integrated transport hub in Belfast city centre and will enhance connectivity with bus, coach and rail links across the island. The project will provide a step change in the provision of public transport, drive economic development and play a major part in tackling the climate emergency.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said:
“We welcomed this opportunity today to showcase these latest developments on this important scheme which is set to improve connectivity for everyone in Northern Ireland and beyond, transforming how people travel, encouraging more active travel, tackling the climate emergency and creating a greener and cleaner city and region for everyone.”
Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr, said:
“Piling on this transformational project for Belfast has been completed on programme. Foundation works are well advanced with superstructure works commenced and progressing at pace. We recognise the importance of social value on projects of this nature. Farrans Sacyr has already engaged with a significant number of community groups, charities, subcontractors and schools to create local employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities to leave a positive lasting impact with over 1,500 engagements taken place to date.”
GRAHAM’s Contracts Director Andrew Henry said:
“It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on the busway bridge works. This project is also delivering significant social value, with 100 weeks of apprenticeships supported to date on the project. We are proud to be to playing our part in this transformational scheme and leaving a lasting legacy for transport in Northern Ireland.”
