BAM has announced the commencement of construction of the Narrow Water Bridge in County Louth, Republic of Ireland (RoI). 

The €102m ($110.98m) bridge will connect Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, bolstering local economic growth and tourism. 

The bridge, financed by the Shared Island Fund, is a commitment of the RoI's government, aligning with the Programme for Government and the New Decade, New Approach agreement.  

Louth County Council CEO Joan Martin said: “I am delighted to welcome the commencement of works at the Narrow Water Bridge site, a project which will provide an unprecedented boost to the cross-border region as a whole.” 

Spanning 195m, the cable-stayed bridge has been designed to meet high sustainability standards and cater to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. 

BAM Ireland executive director Alasdair Henderson said: “We’re excited to be breaking ground on this important piece of infrastructure that will support sustainable, social and economic development of this area as well as connecting communities north and south of the border.  

“Using sustainable practices this bridge, will offer a safe, green route for cyclists and pedestrians, supporting our own vision of building a sustainable tomorrow.” 

The bridge aims to provide seamless access to greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes, and beaches. 

It is anticipated to transform the Carlingford Lough area into an Irish tourism hub, creating a connection between the villages of Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, and Carlingford in Northern Ireland.  

In addition, the Narrow Water Bridge will connect the A2 Newry road to the Warrenpoint dual carriageway in Northern Ireland with the R173 regional road at Omeath in the RoI. 

It will feature an opening mechanism to allow ship passage to the Newry Canal. 

Last month, BAM was contracted for the construction of Orchards Academy in Swanley, Kent, UK.