Rice Bridge

Rice Bridge spans the River Suir, linking the northern part of Waterford City to its central area via multiple traffic lanes. The structure features a lifting mechanism designed to allow larger vessels to pass underneath when needed.

The bridge was built between 1982 and 1986, with its first two lanes completed in 1984. It replaced an older structure that could no longer meet the demands of increasing traffic.

The bridge takes its name from Edmund Ignatius Rice, an Irish educator who founded a religious community devoted to teaching. His legacy remains present in how locals refer to this crossing.

When the lifting mechanism operates, traffic stops temporarily to allow ships to pass through. This happens at scheduled times, so travelers should expect possible delays when crossing.

The lifting events regularly pause city traffic and give locals and visitors a rare chance to watch ships navigate the Suir. These scheduled breaks create an unusual spectacle that breaks up the ordinary rhythm of urban commuting.

Location: County Waterford

Inception: 1986

GPS coordinates: 52.26498,-7.11845

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20