The Downhill Beach Walkway project, situated along the North Coast of Northern Ireland, was commissioned by Translink to provide a safe, durable, and visually appropriate pedestrian route

beneath the active railway line. The upgraded walkway replaces deteriorating infrastructure and improves connectivity between Downhill and the beach below, a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Vision Fabrications was appointed as the steelwork fabricator for this civil infrastructure project.

Our scope included the design detailing, fabrication, and coordination of the primary and secondary structural steelwork forming the new walkway, balustrading, and support systems, all engineered to perform under the region’s coastal conditions.

Key structural elements included a high grade Polydeck flooring for aesthetics and durability, Precision engineered balustrade and handrail systems that combined structural integrity with

aesthetic simplicity.

The walkway presented multiple engineering challenges, The site featured uneven, rocky terrain and loose sands and was above an existing stream. As a well-frequented coastal site, works had to be scheduled around public access and weather windows, maintaining strict health and safety protocols. The active rail line above required detailed planning, including possession working and coordination with Translink.

This achievement has also been publicly endorsed by Polydeck Limited, who praised Vision

Fabrications’ outstanding workmanship on the project:

“Thrilled to share some recent work under a Translink railway bridge in Ireland! Vision Fabrications Limited truly outdid themselves, achieving a beautiful scribe of our POLYplanks into the existing parapet.”

They went on to highlight the broader impact of the materials used: GRP planks perfectly suited to harsh seaside conditions, with a design life exceeding 75 years, resistant to rot and corrosion.

Each plank features a recycled PET plastic bottle foam core, with the project saving over 5,040 500ml plastic bottles from landfill.

Outstanding slip resistance (PTV 92′) ensures pedestrian safety.

The Downhill Beach Walkway project showcases the very best in civil engineering steelwork combining structural performance, aesthetic sensitivity, and environmental responsibility. Vision Fabrications’ contribution reflects technical excellence, by delivering precision-fabricated steel under challenging site, environmental, and logistical constraints.

The ability to adapt fabrication and erection methods to protect a sensitive coastal landscape. Successful integration with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a critical piece of public infrastructure and the community impact, by enhancing safety, access, and the visitor experience along one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic coastal areas.

This project is a testament to how high-quality steel fabrication can support public infrastructure that is both durable and beautifully integrated into its natural surroundings.