13th
February 2024: The
Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme was officially opened yesterday
by the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, marking a significant milestone
in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Cork.
The €215m project promises to alleviate congestion, improve safety,
and streamline traffic flow for the region's residents and
businesses.
The Dunkettle Interchange is the junction of four national roads, the M8 Cork - Dublin Motorway, the N25 Cork - Waterford / Rosslare route, the N40 Cork South Ring Road and the N8 Dunkettle - Cork city National Route. The Interchange is located approximately 5 kilometres east of Cork City centre and lies mainly within the Cork City Council administrative area.
Whilst
advance works including archaeological and ground investigations got
underway in 2016, the main construction contract was awarded by
Transport Infrastructure Ireland to John Sisk & Son Ltd in
October 2020. The project has delivered 18
new road links totalling 10km in length; seven new bridge structures
as well as upgrade works carried out on five pre-existing structures;
and upgrades
and resurfacing works to the N25 road between Tivoli Roundabout and
the Little Island Interchange.
In addition, 2.9km
of new walkways and cycleways have been developed including the
provision of a new bridge across the Cork-Midleton railway line;
intelligent
Transport Systems throughout the upgraded Interchange; and
installation
of new culverts and pollution control facilities, landscaping works,
directional signage, safety barriers, etc.
Traffic
volumes through the Dunkettle interchange are at an all-time high,
approaching 120,000 vehicles on the busier days of the week. Despite
this, Transport Infrastructure Ireland reports that journey times
during peak hours have reduced by almost 50% on average as a result
of this upgrade project.
Journey time savings of almost 60% are being achieved on the N40 to N25 route during peak hours, whilst time savings of over 50% are being achieved on routes accessed via the M8 Southbound.
Lord
Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy said:
“The new
Interchange stands as an important additional piece in the strategic
transport infrastructure in metropolitan Cork. This year marks 25
years since the Jack Lynch Tunnel opened, which in its day was seen
as an engineering feat. The new interchange is also an engineering
feat and adds to the adjacent tunnel's story and narratives. In our
time, the removal of critical bottlenecks creates better traffic
flows but also greater connectivity between communities on either
side of the River Lee's estuary. The enhanced connectivity
facilitated by this project will undoubtedly fuel progress and
opportunity for generations to come.”
Tánaiste
Micheál Martin TD said:
"I’m
delighted to officially open the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme
today. This infrastructure project represents a significant
investment in Cork's future and provides a vital link in the region's
transport network. I believe that it will be a catalyst for enhancing
economic and social activity right across Cork and the entire Munster
region.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said: “The completion of this project is a
significant
milestone in the development of the southern region. Cork County
Council will be working closely with our colleagues in Cork City
Council to build on the work done at Dunkettle in terms of active
travel infrastructure and deliver further enhancements both east and
west of the interchange. The Dunkettle interchange works also support
the Council and ambition of developing sustainable travel modes by
facilitating safe pedestrian and cyclist mobility in the context of
the ongoing development of the Eastern Metropolitan Active Travel
Corridor which it is planned will extend to Midleton in the near
future. These initiatives make it a particularly exciting time in
terms of quality-of-life improvements for the people of Cork.”
Peter
Walsh, Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, said:
“The Dunkettle
Project completion marks the culmination of a journey that has been
ten years in the making. Planning permission for the scheme was first
received in 2013, and ongoing close collaboration between the
Government, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council, Cork
County Council, John Sisk & Son Ltd. and Jacobs allowed the
project to move forward. It was delivered through innovation and
commitment by the entire project team and with the support and
patience of the public.”
Will
Merriman, Managing Director of Sisk’s Civil Engineering Ireland,
said: “Dunkettle
was an extremely complex project, working in and around live traffic
at one of the country's busiest intersections, in a major urban
environment. We are delighted to have now delivered and handed over
the project which has already improved traffic flow, mobility, and
multi-user access in the region. I am particularly pleased that we
have delivered on our promise of the highest standards of safety and
quality with this complex infrastructure project.”
Patrick
de Feu, Project Manager, Jacobs stated:
“Jacobs welcome
the opening of the Dunkettle Interchange, a project we have been
involved in for over 10 years. Cork is a vibrant, growing city, a
location that is hugely attractive for investment and as a place to
live and work. Infrastructure projects like the Dunkettle Interchange
Upgrade are critical to contribute positively to the quality of life
for the community, sustain economic development and continue to
ensure Cork’s position as a thriving city.”
The
contract for the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme includes a
3-year maintenance period which will run until 2027. In addition to
environmental monitoring and landscaping management, this will also
include an ongoing focus on monitoring traffic flows through the
network.
For more information about the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme, please visit www.dunkettle.ie.
