Foynes line update: Robertstown Viaduct installation, June 2024

Another major milestone on the Foynes to Limerick Rail Freight line project has been achieved, with the 46-metre Robertstown Viaduct installation having been completed last week.
Works on the steel structure took place over the last 12 months, and the timelapse video shows the culmination of the project.
Iarnród Éireann delivered the Robertstown Viaduct installation with Resident Engineers O’Connor Sutton & Cronin,; main contractors John Sisk & Son Ltd; Gabriel O’Brien Crane Hire Ltd; and Mack Engineering. Works are now set to commence on the in-situ concrete bridge deck, incorporating an embedded rail system.
Works are progressing well on phase one of the reopening of the Foynes to Limerick railway line, with the viaduct installation representing another key piece of progress. The project is funded by the Department of Transport and National Transport Authority.
Work started on the route early in 2023. Site clearance and removal of the existing track commenced in Spring 2023. Boundary fencing is nearing completion on the route. New track laying commenced last month near Askeaton and it is expected that all track will be laid the end of 2024.
Phase two of the project will include the provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and at Foynes Port. Subject to funding allocation for phase two it is expected that this work will take 18 months to complete. It is anticipated that the route will be ready for operations in December 2025 with freight services commencing in early 2026.

[@mikeirwin9985]

Well done

[@_aidid]

Good to see Irish railway developing 👍🏻 Love from Bangladesh

[@alantuite459]

Well done, irish Rail, now open up the rest of our closed railways 🛤

[@Flying_Shamrock]

Good but you should also look at the cement factory railway line it would mean access from the crescent to limerick city centre Via rail

[@tomfitzpatrick7335]

I'm so proud of you guys!

[@Train-LCI-Spotting]

Nice going lads!

[@niall_al3059]

very cool

[@elwisuntemp7199]

Nice job!

[@ericfreeman273]

Up Limerick

[@deyadeeznutz]

Freight services are very important hopefully this line could also be used by commuters and goods alike