NTR’s Roads Business Opens Waterford City Bypass
October 19 2009
NTR plc announces today that its roads business, National Toll Roads, as part of the Celtic Roads Group (CRG) consortium, has opened the 33km Waterford city bypass on time and on budget. The bypass, which has been under construction for three and a half years and includes the landmark Suir River bridge that spans almost half a kilometre, was officially opened by Mr. Martin Cullen, TD, Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism.
The CRG consortium, which is comprised of National Toll Roads, BAM PPP UK and Iridium Spain, now looks forward to the next phase of the project which is to operate and maintain the bypass for the next 26 years. CRG’s operator, South-Link, will operate and maintain the bypass and will create up to 35 positions, with a mix of full-time, part-time and weekend employees.
Commenting on the opening of the Waterford Bypass, Kyran Hurley, Chairman of CRG and Managing Director of National Toll Roads, said: “The expertise that has been exercised in this achievement has combined the best of local and international experience and ability. In particular, we are delighted with the very impressive landmark Suir River crossing bridge, which is a fitting gateway to the region.”
“We look forward to working in partnership with the local authorities and local community and it is our hope that the opening of the Waterford City bypass will play a part in the economic growth and regeneration of the region to the benefit of all,” Hurley concluded.
The Waterford City bypass project comprises the 465m long landmark Suir River crossing cable stayed bridge, 23km of dual carriageway and almost 10km of single carriageway. In addition, there are some 64 other structures including rail crossings, over and under passes, viaducts and culverts. The bypass begins as Kilmeaden to the west of Waterford and reconnects with the N25 to the east of Sliverue. The river crossing, close to the N24/N9 junction, will ease traffic on the N25 Cork to Rosslare Port route.
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About NTR plc
NTR plc, the international renewable energy group, builds and runs green energy and resource-sustaining businesses. Founded in 1978, NTR has evolved from being a developer and operator of infrastructure in Ireland to an international developer and operator of renewable energy (wind, solar and ethanol) and sustainable waste management businesses in the USA, UK, and Ireland. The company employs over 4,100 people.
About Celtic Roads Group
Celtic Roads Group is an international consortium company comprising National Toll Roads, BAM PPP UK and Iridium Spain. The company is also responsible for the PPP schemes on the M1 / Dundalk Western Bypass and the M7/M8/ Portlaoise Bypass project currently under construction.