
Marking a further major milestone, Belfast Grand Central Station today sees the opening of the Busway Bridge. The structure was designed by global sustainable development consultancy Arup as an integral element of the NI Executive Flagship Project, integrating the multimodal transport hub’s facilities ahead of planned completion in 2025.
The bridge’s opening symbolises a new chapter for Translink’s wider regeneration programme, including the major integration of Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street Railway Station, as well as the creation of a new city neighbourhood in the centre of Belfast, Weavers Cross.
Spanning 51 metres and weighing 480 tonnes, the bridge will cross the realigned railway lines serving the new station. The structural steelwork uses weathering steel, optimising the bridge’s durability by preventing corrosion, achieving both a design life of 120-years and reduced maintenance requirements. Giving the bridge a distinct rust-like appearance, this specific steel structure is the first of its kind on Northern Ireland’s public transport network and serves to be a new benchmark in sustainable infrastructure development.
The Busway Bridge was inspired by Arup’s previous work utilising the benefits of weathering steel for similar structures, including the renowned Bridge Street overbridge located at Newport Station, South Wales.