Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd visited the site recently to see how the project is moving forward.
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.
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Speaking following his recent visit, Minister O'Dowd said: "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 commented: "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."
GRAHAM’s Contracts Director Andrew Henry added: "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."
