After three weeks in Waterford to build the city’s new bridge, the HEBO Lift 9 sheerleg crane departed the River Suir yesterday.

Since May 17th, when it installed four pieces of the Sustainable Transport Bridge, the floating crane, which can lift 800 tonnes and reach a height of 67 meters, has been a striking sight in the Waterford skyline.

The HEBO Lift 9 is a seagoing floating sheerleg crane with a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes. Measuring approximately 67 metres in length and 27 metres in width, it is equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing for precise manoeuvring during complex lifting operations.

Thousands of spectators lined Waterford’s Quays over the last few weeks, to witness to once in a lifetime event.

The North Quays Development includes 350 residential units, Office accommodation including ground floor creche & retail, a 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre, 163-room aparthotel, Retail units on the ground floor of residential blocks and public realm spaces to include public plazas, riverside boardwalk and greenway.

The local authority says the fast-tracking of integration works as part of the construction of the SDZ will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 of 2026.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.