Peace Bridge (Foyle) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peace Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 54°59′53″N 7°18′59″W / 54.9980°N 7.3163°W |
| Carries | Cyclists Pedestrians |
| Crosses | River Foyle |
| Locale | Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Self-anchored suspension bridge |
| Total length | 235 m (771 ft) |
| Width | 4 m (13 ft) |
| Longest span | 101 m (331 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 25 June 2011 |
The Peace Bridge is a special bridge for walking and cycling in Derry, Northern Ireland. It crosses the River Foyle and connects Ebrington Square with the rest of the city centre. This bridge opened on June 25, 2011. It is the newest of three bridges in Derry, with the others being the Craigavon Bridge and the Foyle Bridge.
The Peace Bridge is 235 metres (771 ft) long. It was designed by two companies: AECOM and Wilkinson Eyre Architects. These companies have also designed other well-known bridges around the world.
Why the Peace Bridge Is Important
The Peace Bridge was built to help improve relationships between different communities in Derry. It connects the 'Waterside' area, which is mostly unionist, with the 'Cityside' area, which is mostly nationalist. By making it easier for people to travel between these areas, the bridge helps bring everyone closer together.
The bridge also crosses over the railway line that leads to Waterside station. It is 235 m (770 ft) long and 4 m (13 ft) wide. Its unique, curved design with two sloping pillars is meant to show the coming together of the two communities. The path on the bridge links the Guildhall, which is in the city centre, with Ebrington Square and St. Columb's Park in the Waterside area.
How the Bridge Was Funded
Building the Peace Bridge cost about £14 million. This money came from several different groups working together. The Department for Social Development (NI) and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government helped pay for it. A large part of the funding also came from the SEUPB Peace III programme. This program helps support projects that promote peace and reconciliation.
