Portumna bridge, Steel swing bridge in County Galway, Ireland.
Portumna bridge is a five-span road bridge carrying the N65 across the River Shannon from County Galway to Lehinch in County Tipperary. Its main structure consists of steel girders supported by concrete-filled cast iron cylinders, with a central section resting on Hayes's Island, which divides the river into two channels. A pivoting swing span crosses the navigation channel.
The present bridge was designed by C. E. Stanier of London and completed in 1911. Its opening section was replaced in October 2008. The bridge operator's house on Hayes's Island predates the structure.
The bridge represents a vital connection point between the counties of Galway and Tipperary, serving as a central transportation route for local communities.
The bridge opens on schedule to allow boats with more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) of clearance to pass, with waiting areas on both sides. Plan your crossing around these operating times if traveling by car.
The house on Hayes Island, reached from the bridge itself, was the bridge operator's home and is older than the 1911 structure it serves. The island splits the Shannon into two channels, so the crossing has two parts.
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