Belfast Pedestrian/Cycle Bridges
#01 – The Sam Thompson Bridge
It took one of Europe’s biggest cranes to lift the bridge into position and this operation took only 20 minutes to complete. The bridge is 62 metres in length and links Victoria Park with the Airport Road. The bridge represents the start of the Connswater Community Greenway which is currently in development. The bridge cost £500,000 to construct. The builder of the bridge was M Hasson & Sons.
Sam Thompson (1916-1965) was a local east Belfast shipyard worker and playwright. His plays including ‘Over the Bridge’, cover themes such as school days, neighbourhood friendships, life in the shipyard and the trade union movement.
The bridge was opened by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir with First Minister Peter Robinson and members of Sam Thompsons Family.
The bridge will only be open with the posted opening times of Victoria Park.
Cache is a sample tube held in place by a magnet. Available 24/7. Should be accessible from a wheelchair although this may become more difficult as the foliage grows.