A significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Cork officially took a major step forward on Monday, as Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD officially opened the €215 Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme.
Promising to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and streamline traffic flow for the region’s residents and businesses, the wel-known interchange is the junction of four national roads, namely 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.
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.
REDUCED JOURNEY TIMES
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.
IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE
Speaking at the opening, Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD said the infrastructure should be a ‘catalyst’ for growth in the region.
“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.”
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.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn outlined the importance of incorporating ‘active travel’ measures as part of the project.
“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.”
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
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.
At Monday’s official opening, Will Merriman, Managing Director of Sisk’s Civil Engineering Ireland, said that the project was ‘extremely complex’, having to work 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,” he said.
