Government Announces the Award of the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Main Construction Contract

Following this morning’s cabinet meeting, the Government have announced the contract award for the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade.  The project includes changes to the N8, the N25 and the N40 and links to the R623 in Little Island and Burys Bridge in Dunkettle while also making provision for pedestrian and cyclist facilities. It is an investment of €215 million in total and is anticipated to be completed by Q1 2024.
The main construction works involves the reconfiguration of the existing Dunkettle Interchange to a free flowing interchange. The proposed development includes the following elements of infrastructure:
 
  • A series of direct road links between the N8, the N25 and the N40 and links to the R623 Regional Road in Little Island and Burys Bridge in Dunkettle;
  • 1 grade separated junction arrangement at the existing N25 to the east of the existing Dunkettle Interchange facilitating access to Little Island;
  • 4 roundabouts – 2 at the grade separated junction and 2 at tie-ins with the existing road network;
  • 52 structures of various forms;
  • Several culverts where the scheme crosses watercourses or intertidal areas;
  • Intelligent Transport Systems;
  • Pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
 
After today’s cabinet approval Minister Hildegarde Naughton said; “This project is vital toward delivering an integrated transport strategy for the City of Cork and the region. We recently announced the completion and soon to open new pedestrian and cycleway crossing, which was constructed as part of this project, connecting the Dunkettle interchange to the train station at Little Island. Integrating and delivering public transport elements, as part of road improvement projects, is a key component toward offering the public an alternative to the car.”
 
Peter Walsh, CEO Transport Infrastructure Ireland said; “The bidding process, while challenging, will deliver a better outcome for the taxpayer, due in no small part to the design and construction job being tendered by two of Ireland’s civil engineering construction companies.  We are pleased that the first phase of work has already delivered a public benefit with the opening of the new pedestrian and cyclist facilities providing a safe path through the interchange. We look forward to the detail design and main works commencing in the coming weeks. We wish SISK Construction, our team at TII and our colleagues in Cork County and City Councils success in completing this project by Q1 2024.” 
 
Notes for the Editor
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has developed proposals to improve the Dunkettle Interchange which is located approximately 6km to the east of Cork City, just north of the Jack Lynch Tunnel. The Interchange is strategically important as it is the intersection of a number of key national routes: The M8/N8 Dublin to Cork Road; N25 Cork to Waterford Road; and N40 Southern Ring Road (through the Jack Lynch Tunnel).The existing interchange comprises a signalised roundabout, with a free flow overpass for traffic travelling east-west along the N25, and vice versa. Traffic not using the overpass must negotiate the circulatory carriageway (roundabout) which is controlled via traffic signals.
 
For more information please contact Sean O’Neill at sean.oneill@tii.ie or 086-8230600