Overview
Dominating the lower stretch of the River Foyle, Craigavon Bridge is a defining feature of Derry’s skyline and a functional piece of interwar engineering. Completed in 1933 and named after James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, it remains Ireland’s only double-deck road bridge and one of the few such structures in Europe. At 275 metres long, the steel framework carries the A2 route across two levels, with dedicated footways that offer uninterrupted views of the city’s quays, the Guildhall, and the fast-moving waters below. The bridge is a vital link between the Cityside and Waterside, forming a key segment of the Foyle Greenway and providing a straightforward crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
History & Engineering
Three successive crossings have occupied this stretch of the Foyle. The first was a wooden structure (often referred to as the Earl Hervey Bridge) designed by American engineer Lemuel Cox, which opened in 1790. It featured a drawbridge to accommodate the navigational rights held by the inhabitants of Strabane. This original wooden bridge met its end in 1862 when it was swept away by a massive flow of floating ice (frequently described in local lore as an ‘iceberg’). It was replaced in 1863 by the steel Carlisle Bridge, which stood almost exactly where the current crossing sits today, before itself being replaced by the present Craigavon Bridge in 1933.
The present bridge was designed by City Architect Matthew A. Robinson. Construction began in the late 1920s, utilising a riveted steel framework typical of the era. When it opened in 1933, the lower deck was engineered specifically for freight trains, connecting Derry’s four separate railway networks and facilitating goods transport to Donegal. The upper deck handled road traffic. In 1968, the railway lines were closed and the lower deck was converted into a single-lane road, creating the double-deck road configuration seen today.
The bridge also holds a place in modern Irish history. On 3 July 1968, the Derry Housing Action Committee staged a sit-down protest on the newly opened second deck, drawing national attention to the city’s housing crisis and marking an early flashpoint in the civil rights movement.
Walking & Cycling
The bridge’s footways are integrated into Derry’s extensive riverside path network, making it an easy addition to any walking or cycling itinerary. The upper deck features footways on both sides, while the lower deck has a central pedestrian path. Both levels connect directly to paved promenades that run upstream to the Foyle Bridge and downstream toward the city centre.
On the Cityside, the path leads past the Guildhall, along Queen’s Quay and through Bay Road Park. On the Waterside, walkers pass through Ebrington, St Columb’s Park and the Waterside Greenway. Cyclists will find the bridge forms a traffic-free segment of the Foyle Greenway, linking residential areas with the city’s main attractions. The crossing is straightforward and largely flat, though the lower deck footway includes a slight gradient.
What to Look For
Railway Station Murals
At both the Cityside and Waterside entrances, stylised silhouetted murals depict the former railway station. These murals were added to preserve the bridge’s industrial heritage after the freight lines were removed in 1968. They provide a clear visual link to the bridge’s original purpose and are easily missed if you’re only looking up at the steelwork.
Hands Across the Divide
At the west end of the bridge, in Carlisle Square, stands a pair of bronze figures by Derry sculptor Maurice Harron. The statues show two figures reaching toward each other, symbolising reconciliation and the city’s journey toward peace. Positioned at the bridge’s entrance, they make a popular photographic backdrop and a quiet reminder of Derry’s complex social history.
Steel Construction & River Views
The riveted steel ribs and truss design are clearly visible from the footways, showcasing early-20th-century engineering techniques. Look down at the river to spot commercial vessels and recreational boats navigating the Foyle, one of the fastest-flowing rivers in Europe. The water’s movement is particularly noticeable from the lower deck, where the perspective is closer to the surface.
Practical Information
Craigavon Bridge is a public thoroughfare with free access 24 hours a day. There are no admission fees or ticketing requirements. Pedestrians and cyclists share the footways, which are wide enough for two-way traffic but can become busy during morning and evening commuting hours.
Getting there
- Walking: The bridge is a 15- to 25-minute walk from Derry’s city centre, passing landmarks such as the Guildhall and the City Walls.
- Bus: Local services (routes 601, 602, and others) run frequently between the city centre and stops on both sides of the river. Journeys take 10–20 minutes, with fares typically between £2 and £4.
- Cycling: The bridge is fully integrated into the Foyle Greenway, a traffic-free route connecting the Cityside and Waterside.
- Parking: Several car parks are available near the city centre and around the Foyle Bridge area, making it easy to combine a drive with a riverside stroll.
Accessibility The upper deck footways are level and suitable for most walkers, including those with pushchairs or light mobility aids. The lower deck footway has a slight gradient and may present a challenge for wheelchair users, though the surrounding riverside paths on either bank are generally accessible.
Recent infrastructure work In late 2025, NI Water began a £2.5 million programme to reinforce the water mains that run beneath the bridge. The project involves wrapping the Strand Road Trunk Main and later replacing the Corrody to Creggan line to secure Derry’s water supply for the next quarter-century. Short-term lane closures on the lower deck may occur during off-peak hours to accommodate scaffolding and equipment. Visitors should check local traffic updates if planning a drive across during peak periods.
Photography tips Early morning and late afternoon light accentuate the steel ribs and cast long reflections across the Foyle. The bridge is illuminated after dark, creating a sharp silhouette against the city lights; a tripod helps stabilise longer exposures. For a full-span shot, head to Ebrington Square on the Waterside, or frame the bronze statues from the Cityside footway with the river and historic skyline in the background.
The bridge connects Carlisle Square at the Cityside to Spencer Road on the Waterside, with clear signage marking footway directions and road lanes at both ends. Plan your crossing to align with your walking route, and allow extra time during rush hour when vehicular traffic is heaviest.