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Coordinates: 53°27′29″N 6°09′20″W / 53.4580°N 6.1555°W / 53.4580; -6.1555
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{{Short description|Rail bridge near Dublin, Ireland}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{use Hiberno-English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox Bridge
{{Infobox bridge
|bridge_name = Broadmeadow viaduct
|bridge_name = Broadmeadow viaduct
|image = Malahide Air.JPG
|image = Malahide Air.JPG
|caption = [[Broadmeadow Estuary]] (bridge at right)
|caption = Broadmeadow Estuary (bridge at right)
|official_name =
|official_name =
|carries = Dublin – Belfast railway
|carries = Dublin – Belfast railway
|crosses = Broadmeadow estuary
|crosses = Broadmeadow Estuary, from the [[Broadmeadow River]]
|locale = [[Malahide]], Ireland
|locale = [[Malahide]], Ireland
|maint =
|maint =
Line 29: Line 30:
|closed =
|closed =
|toll =
|toll =
|coordinates = {{coord|53.4580|N|6.1555|W|display=inline,title}}
|map_cue =

|map_text =
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|coordinates = {{coord|53.45|N|6.17|W|display=inline,title}}
|extra = {{Location map | Ireland
|label =
|label_size =
|alt =
|position = right
|background =
|lon_dir= W
|lat_dir= N
|lat_deg = 53
|lat_min = 28
|lat_sec = 30
|lon_deg = 6
|lon_min = 09
|lon_sec = 19
|lat =
|long =
|mark =
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}}
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The '''Broadmeadow viaduct''' is a rail bridge carrying the main Dublin to Belfast railway across the estuary of the [[Broadmeadow River]], about 13 kilometres north of [[Dublin]], Ireland. Just north of [[Malahide]] village, it is approximately {{convert|180|m|ft}} long and is a section of a longer crossing constructed as an embankment.<ref name=irrs>{{cite web
}}
| author= Niall V. Torpey
The '''Broadmeadow viaduct''', in Ireland, carries the main Dublin to Belfast railway across the [[Broadmeadow Estuary]], about 13 kilometres north of [[Dublin]], just north of [[Malahide]]. It is approximately 180 metres (600&nbsp;feet) long and it is a section of a longer crossing constructed as an embankment.<ref name=irrs>{{cite web
|title=Irish Railway Bridges-Part 2: Malahide
| last = Torpey [[Chartered Engineer (UK)|CEng]], [[Fellow of The Institution of Structural Engineers|F.I.Struct.E]], [[Institution of Engineers of Ireland|FIEI]]
|website=Irish Railway Record Society
| first = Niall V.
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| title = Malahide
| work = Irish Railway Bridges-Part 2
| publisher = Irish Railway Record Society
| date = 3 August 2004
| date = 3 August 2004
| url = http://www.irrs.ie/Journal%20154/154%20Irish%20Railway%20Bridges.htm
| url = http://www.irrs.ie/Journal%20154/154%20Irish%20Railway%20Bridges.htm
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502213145/http://www.irrs.ie/Journal%20154/154%20Irish%20Railway%20Bridges.htm |archive-date=2009-05-02
| doi =
| accessdate = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> The viaduct carries around ninety trains, including commuter services and heavy freight, per day and it is the sole rail route between Dublin and Belfast. It has had a history of problems with its foundations being scoured out by strong currents.<ref name=irrs />
| access-date = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> The [[viaduct]] carries around ninety trains, including commuter services and heavy freight, per day and it is the sole rail route between Dublin and Belfast. It has had a history of problems with its foundations being scoured out by strong currents.<ref name=irrs />


==History==
==History==
The present structure is the third on this site. The first was built in timber for the [[Dublin and Drogheda Railway]] in 1844. Its stability was badly affected by erosion of the river bed around the piles and, after short-term remedial work, it was replaced in 1860 with a new structure of [[wrought iron]] spans on masonry piers. This sufficed until the early 1930s when new locomotives ([[4-4-0]] [[Compound locomotive|Compounds]]) required strengthening of the piers and continued maintenance. Additional ballasting of the piers was also needed. The sea air caused deterioration of the wrought iron and these spans were replaced during 1966–1968 with the current [[prestressed concrete]] structure. At this time, the tracks were laid on [[Track ballast|ballast]], reflecting modern practice.<ref name=irrs />
The present structure is the third on this site. The first was built in 1844, in timber, for the [[Dublin and Drogheda Railway]]. Its stability was badly affected by erosion of the river bed around the piles and, after short-term remedial work, it was replaced in 1860 with a new structure of [[wrought iron]] spans on masonry piers. This sufficed until the early 1930s when new locomotives ([[4-4-0]] [[Compound locomotive|Compounds]]) required strengthening of the piers and continued maintenance. Additional ballasting of the piers was also needed. The sea air caused deterioration of the wrought iron and these spans were replaced during 1966–1968 with the current [[prestressed concrete]] structure. At this time, the tracks were re-laid on [[Track ballast|ballast]], reflecting modern practice.<ref name=irrs />

During the [[Irish Civil War]] the viaduct was blown up by the Anti-Treaty IRA on 20 January 1923 in order to hinder the movements of the Free State Army.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Grayson |first1=Richard S. |title=Dublin's Great Wars The First World War, the Easter Rising and the Irish Revolution |date=2018 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=312}}</ref>


==Collapse==
===Collapse (2009)===
====Incident====
On Friday 21 August 2009, at 6:30pm, a 20-metre section of the viaduct collapsed. Some reports state that the collapse started while a passenger train was passing over it, others say shortly after. The Driver of the Balbriggan to Dublin Pearse service was passing over the viaduct and noticed the section crumbling away. He coasted the train (not increasing the engine revs in case the vibrations made it collapse while the DMU was on it) across it. The train was not derailed and no one was hurt: the driver raised the alarm when he arrived at Malahide. The repairs took roughly three months, with curtailment of all services north of Malahide.<ref name=bt>{{cite web
On Friday 21 August 2009, at 6:30pm, a 20-metre section of the viaduct collapsed. Some reports state that the collapse started while a passenger train was on it, others say that it occurred shortly after. The driver of the Balbriggan to Dublin (Pearse) service was on the viaduct and noticed the section crumbling away. Engine revs were stopped while the DMU was on the viaduct to decrease vibrations that could cause collapse. The train remained on the tracks, no one was injured, and the driver raised the alarm when he arrived at Malahide. The repairs took about three months, causing curtailment of all services north of Malahide.<ref name=bt>{{cite web
| last = McCreary
| last = McCreary
| first = Matthew
| first = Matthew
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| title = Collapse of Belfast-Dublin line will affect thousands of commuters
| title = Collapse of Belfast-Dublin line will affect thousands of commuters
| work =
| publisher = [[Belfast Telegraph]]
| publisher = [[Belfast Telegraph]]
| date = 24 August 2009
| date = 24 August 2009
| url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/collapse-of-belfastdublin-line-will-affect-thousands-of-commuters-14465396.html
| url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/collapse-of-belfastdublin-line-will-affect-thousands-of-commuters-14465396.html
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> The competence of [[Iarnród Éireann]]'s maintenance regime has been questioned and there have been previous critical reports of the viaduct's structure.<ref name=ii>{{cite web
| access-date = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> The competence of [[Iarnród Éireann]]'s maintenance regime has been questioned and there have been previous critical reports of the viaduct's structure.<ref name=ii>{{cite web
| last =
| last =
| first =
| first =
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| author2 =
| title = Pressure mounts on Irish Rail to explain 'systems failure’
| title = Pressure mounts on Irish Rail to explain 'systems failure'
| work =
| publisher = [[Irish Independent]]
| publisher = [[Irish Independent]]
| date = 24 August 2009
| date = 24 August 2009
| url = http://www.independent.ie/national-news/pressure-mounts-on-irish-rail-to-explain-lsquosystems-failurersquo-1870886.html
| url = http://www.independent.ie/national-news/pressure-mounts-on-irish-rail-to-explain-lsquosystems-failurersquo-1870886.html
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> Iarnród Éireann stated that the structure had been inspected three days previously.<ref name=bt /> Erosion had been reported by an Irish [[Sea Scout]] leader who later opined that a superficial inspection might have missed scour damage below water level.<ref name=bbc>{{cite web
| access-date = 26 August 2009 }}</ref> Iarnród Éireann stated that the structure had been inspected three days previously.<ref name=bt /> Erosion had been reported by an Irish [[Sea Scout]] leader who later opined that a superficial inspection might have missed scour damage below water level.<ref name=bbc>{{cite web
| last =
| last =
| first =
| first =
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| author2 =
| title = Company warned on bridge erosion
| title = Company warned on bridge erosion
| work =
| publisher = [[BBC]]
| publisher = [[BBC]]
| date = 26 August 2009
| date = 26 August 2009
Line 108: Line 76:
| format =
| format =
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 26 August 2009 }}</ref>
| access-date = 26 August 2009 }}</ref>


Official estimates of three months to repair the viaduct (by reinforcing the seabed and replacing the collapsed pier) and restore rail services are being adhered to<ref name=it>{{cite web
Official estimates of three months to repair the viaduct (by reinforcing the seabed and replacing the collapsed pier) and restore rail services were accurate<ref name=it>{{cite web
| last = McGreevy
| last = McGreevy
| first = Ronan
| first = Ronan
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| title = Viaduct on track for rail services by November, Oireachtas members told
| title = Viaduct on track for rail services by November, Oireachtas members told
| work =
| publisher = [[Irish Times]]
| publisher = [[Irish Times]]
| date = 10 September 2009
| date = 10 September 2009
| url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0910/1224254199927.html
| url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0910/1224254199927.html
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 25 September 2009 }}</ref> and Iarnród Éireann announced that the bridge would reopen on 16 November after "round the clock" repair works that reportedly cost €4 million. The bridge reopened on the scheduled date.<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1117/1224258982272.html Packed carriages, late trains: normal service resumes over Malahide viaduct], Shane Hegarty, [[The Irish Times]], 17 November 2009, retrieved 14 January 2010</ref> Other piers have been strengthened and the riverbed weir restored.<ref>{{cite web
| access-date = 25 September 2009 }}</ref> and Iarnród Éireann announced that the bridge would reopen on 16 November after "round the clock" repair works that reportedly cost €4 million. The bridge reopened on the scheduled date.<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1117/1224258982272.html Packed carriages, late trains: normal service resumes over Malahide viaduct], Shane Hegarty, [[The Irish Times]], 17 November 2009, retrieved 14 January 2010</ref> Other piers have been strengthened and the riverbed weir restored.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| last =
| first =
| first =
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| author2 =
| title = Damaged viaduct to reopen
| title = Damaged viaduct to reopen
Line 132: Line 96:
| url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1024/breaking20.html
| url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1024/breaking20.html
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 25 October 2009 }}</ref> This is despite much more pessimistic unattributable comments by structural engineers shortly after the collapse.<ref name=itp>{{cite web
| access-date = 25 October 2009 }}</ref> This is despite much more pessimistic unattributable comments by structural engineers shortly after the collapse.<ref name=itp>{{cite web
| last = Buck
| last = Buck
| first = Brendan
| first = Brendan
| authorlink =
| author2 =
| title = No quick fix to bridge the gap
| title = No quick fix to bridge the gap
| work = An Irish Town Planner's Blog
| work = An Irish Town Planner's Blog
Line 143: Line 105:
| url = http://buckplanning.blogspot.com/2009/08/no-quick-fix-to-bridge-gap.html
| url = http://buckplanning.blogspot.com/2009/08/no-quick-fix-to-bridge-gap.html
| doi =
| doi =
| accessdate = 25 September 2009 }}</ref> Such pessimism arose because the estuary is a [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC) and a [[Special Protection Area]] (SPA) and it was suggested that a full [[Environmental impact assessment|environmental impact statement]] (EIS) would be necessary and, if a [[planning application]] were required, obtaining the necessary permissions alone could take more than three months. In addition, the stability of the remaining structure needs to be proven. A long term solution, perhaps a new longer span bridge, will be needed.<ref name=itp />
| access-date = 25 September 2009 }}</ref> Such pessimism arose because the estuary is a [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC) and a [[Special Protection Area]] (SPA) and it was suggested that a full [[Environmental impact assessment|environmental impact statement]] (EIS) would be necessary and, if a [[planning application]] were required, obtaining the necessary permissions alone could take more than three months. In addition, the stability of the remaining structure needs to be proven. A long term solution, perhaps a new longer span bridge, will be needed.<ref name=itp />


==Independent Report==
====Independent report====
An independent report found that spans 4 and 5 of the viaduct began to collapse as the 18.05 [[Balbriggan railway station|Balbriggan]] to [[Dublin Pearse railway station|Pearse]] train crossed the bridge at 18.23.<ref name=independent-report>[http://www.raiu.ie/download/pdf/accident_malahide.pdf Malahide Viaduct Accident Report]</ref>
An independent report found that spans 4 and 5 of the viaduct began to collapse as the 18.05 [[Balbriggan railway station|Balbriggan]] to [[Dublin Pearse railway station|Pearse]] train crossed the bridge at 18.23.<ref name=independent-report>[http://www.raiu.ie/download/pdf/accident_malahide.pdf Malahide Viaduct Accident Report]</ref>
The report said that staff had followed proper procedures.<ref name=independent-report/> The design of the viaduct meant that the piers did not go down to the bedrock but instead joined with a man made causeway underneath, making the structure vulnerable to scour erosion.<ref name=independent-report/> The causeway between piers 4 and 5 were particularly badly eroded and erosion had increased in part due to climatic, oceanographic and hydrographic factors.<ref name=independent-report/>
The report said that staff had followed proper procedures.<ref name=independent-report/> The design of the viaduct meant that the piers did not go down to bedrock but instead joined with a man made causeway underneath, making the structure vulnerable to scour erosion.<ref name=independent-report/> The causeway between piers 4 and 5 were particularly badly eroded and erosion had increased in part due to climatic, oceanographic and hydrographic factors.<ref name=independent-report/> Visual checks and inspections had not led to questions about the structural integrity of the viaduct.<ref name=independent-report/> Access to original construction drawings and historical documents was limited.<ref name=independent-report/>

Visual checks and inspections had not led to questions about the structural integrity of the viaduct.<ref name=independent-report/>

Access to original construction drawings and historical documents was limited.<ref name=independent-report/>


====Repair====
The replacement pier 4 is founded on piles and the remaining piers were retrofitted with piles.<ref name=independent-report/>
The replacement pier 4 is founded on piles and the remaining piers were retrofitted with piles.<ref name=independent-report/>


===2020 to present===
<!--[[Image:Malahide bridge.jpg|thumb|240px|alt=A closeup of the collapsed viaduct|The collapsed span of the viaduct {{Pufc|1=Malahide bridge.jpg|log=2010 July 4}}]]-->
In 2020 permission was granted by Fingal County Council for a 6&nbsp;km long 'Broadmeadow Greenway' as part of a larger 'Fingal Coastal Way' which will form an additional parallel cycling and pedestrian route along the western embankment of the southern arm of the Broadmeadow viaduct.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plans underway to deliver the Broadmeadow Greenway after planning permission granted |url=https://www.fingal.ie/news/plans-underway-deliver-broadmeadow-greenway-after-planning-permission-granted |website=Fingal County Council |access-date=20 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Broadmeadow Way slated to open in 2023 |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/broadmeadow-way-slated-to-open-in-2023-40225296.html |newspaper=Irish Independent |access-date=20 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> 13 supplementary concrete piers had been installed alongside the causeway as part of larger repair works following the collapse of the viaduct in 2009 in order to future proof the construction of the greenway and reduce the overall cost.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.raiu.ie/download/pdf/accident_malahide.pdf Accident report] on the 2009 collapse by the [[Railway Accident Investigation Unit]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Broadmeadow Viaduct}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Broadmeadow Viaduct}}

[[Category:Railway accidents in Ireland]]
[[Category:Railway bridges in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Railway bridges in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Bridges in County Dublin]]
[[Category:Malahide]]
[[Category:Transport in Fingal]]
[[Category:Railway accidents and incidents in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Bridge disasters caused by maintenance error]]
[[Category:Bridge disasters caused by engineering error]]
[[Category:Bridge disasters in Ireland]]
[[Category:Bridge disasters caused by scour damage]]

Latest revision as of 13:49, 12 September 2024

Broadmeadow viaduct
Broadmeadow Estuary (bridge at right)
Coordinates53°27′29″N 6°09′20″W / 53.4580°N 6.1555°W / 53.4580; -6.1555
CarriesDublin – Belfast railway
CrossesBroadmeadow Estuary, from the Broadmeadow River
LocaleMalahide, Ireland
Characteristics
MaterialStone piers & prestressed concrete spans
Total length180 metres (590 ft)
Piers in water11
Location
Map

The Broadmeadow viaduct is a rail bridge carrying the main Dublin to Belfast railway across the estuary of the Broadmeadow River, about 13 kilometres north of Dublin, Ireland. Just north of Malahide village, it is approximately 180 metres (590 ft) long and is a section of a longer crossing constructed as an embankment.[1] The viaduct carries around ninety trains, including commuter services and heavy freight, per day and it is the sole rail route between Dublin and Belfast. It has had a history of problems with its foundations being scoured out by strong currents.[1]

History

[edit]

The present structure is the third on this site. The first was built in 1844, in timber, for the Dublin and Drogheda Railway. Its stability was badly affected by erosion of the river bed around the piles and, after short-term remedial work, it was replaced in 1860 with a new structure of wrought iron spans on masonry piers. This sufficed until the early 1930s when new locomotives (4-4-0 Compounds) required strengthening of the piers and continued maintenance. Additional ballasting of the piers was also needed. The sea air caused deterioration of the wrought iron and these spans were replaced during 1966–1968 with the current prestressed concrete structure. At this time, the tracks were re-laid on ballast, reflecting modern practice.[1]

During the Irish Civil War the viaduct was blown up by the Anti-Treaty IRA on 20 January 1923 in order to hinder the movements of the Free State Army.[2]

Collapse (2009)

[edit]

Incident

[edit]

On Friday 21 August 2009, at 6:30pm, a 20-metre section of the viaduct collapsed. Some reports state that the collapse started while a passenger train was on it, others say that it occurred shortly after. The driver of the Balbriggan to Dublin (Pearse) service was on the viaduct and noticed the section crumbling away. Engine revs were stopped while the DMU was on the viaduct to decrease vibrations that could cause collapse. The train remained on the tracks, no one was injured, and the driver raised the alarm when he arrived at Malahide. The repairs took about three months, causing curtailment of all services north of Malahide.[3] The competence of Iarnród Éireann's maintenance regime has been questioned and there have been previous critical reports of the viaduct's structure.[4] Iarnród Éireann stated that the structure had been inspected three days previously.[3] Erosion had been reported by an Irish Sea Scout leader who later opined that a superficial inspection might have missed scour damage below water level.[5]

Official estimates of three months to repair the viaduct (by reinforcing the seabed and replacing the collapsed pier) and restore rail services were accurate[6] and Iarnród Éireann announced that the bridge would reopen on 16 November after "round the clock" repair works that reportedly cost €4 million. The bridge reopened on the scheduled date.[7] Other piers have been strengthened and the riverbed weir restored.[8] This is despite much more pessimistic unattributable comments by structural engineers shortly after the collapse.[9] Such pessimism arose because the estuary is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) and it was suggested that a full environmental impact statement (EIS) would be necessary and, if a planning application were required, obtaining the necessary permissions alone could take more than three months. In addition, the stability of the remaining structure needs to be proven. A long term solution, perhaps a new longer span bridge, will be needed.[9]

Independent report

[edit]

An independent report found that spans 4 and 5 of the viaduct began to collapse as the 18.05 Balbriggan to Pearse train crossed the bridge at 18.23.[10] The report said that staff had followed proper procedures.[10] The design of the viaduct meant that the piers did not go down to bedrock but instead joined with a man made causeway underneath, making the structure vulnerable to scour erosion.[10] The causeway between piers 4 and 5 were particularly badly eroded and erosion had increased in part due to climatic, oceanographic and hydrographic factors.[10] Visual checks and inspections had not led to questions about the structural integrity of the viaduct.[10] Access to original construction drawings and historical documents was limited.[10]

Repair

[edit]

The replacement pier 4 is founded on piles and the remaining piers were retrofitted with piles.[10]

2020 to present

[edit]

In 2020 permission was granted by Fingal County Council for a 6 km long 'Broadmeadow Greenway' as part of a larger 'Fingal Coastal Way' which will form an additional parallel cycling and pedestrian route along the western embankment of the southern arm of the Broadmeadow viaduct.[11][12] 13 supplementary concrete piers had been installed alongside the causeway as part of larger repair works following the collapse of the viaduct in 2009 in order to future proof the construction of the greenway and reduce the overall cost.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Niall V. Torpey (3 August 2004). "Irish Railway Bridges-Part 2: Malahide". Irish Railway Record Society. Archived from the original on 2 May 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  2. ^ Grayson, Richard S. (2018). Dublin's Great Wars The First World War, the Easter Rising and the Irish Revolution. Cambridge University Press. p. 312.
  3. ^ a b McCreary, Matthew (24 August 2009). "Collapse of Belfast-Dublin line will affect thousands of commuters". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  4. ^ "Pressure mounts on Irish Rail to explain 'systems failure'". Irish Independent. 24 August 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  5. ^ "Company warned on bridge erosion". BBC. 26 August 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  6. ^ McGreevy, Ronan (10 September 2009). "Viaduct on track for rail services by November, Oireachtas members told". Irish Times. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
  7. ^ Packed carriages, late trains: normal service resumes over Malahide viaduct, Shane Hegarty, The Irish Times, 17 November 2009, retrieved 14 January 2010
  8. ^ "Damaged viaduct to reopen". Irish Times. 24 October 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  9. ^ a b Buck, Brendan (30 August 2009). "No quick fix to bridge the gap". An Irish Town Planner's Blog. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Malahide Viaduct Accident Report
  11. ^ "Plans underway to deliver the Broadmeadow Greenway after planning permission granted". Fingal County Council. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  12. ^ "Broadmeadow Way slated to open in 2023". Irish Independent. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
[edit]