Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme

Contracting Authority: Transport Infrastructure Ireland

The Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme marks a significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Cork. The €215m project aims to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and streamline traffic flow for the region's residents and businesses.

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.

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.