John Sisk & Sons Holdings Ltd has completed designs and preliminary works in the first stage of the contract for the project.
The news of Cabinet approval of the scheme has been welcomed by Cork County Council.
Six kilometres east of Cork City and north of the Jack Lynch Tunnel, the Dunkettle Interchange is at the intersection of key national routes; M8/N8 Dublin to Cork Road; N25 Cork to Waterford Road and the N40 Southern Ring Road through the Jack Lynch Tunnel. The works will see the reconfiguration of the existing Dunkettle Interchange to a free-flowing interchange.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: "The awarding of the contract is a significant step forward for this strategically vital infrastructural project for Cork County. Progression of works on the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade will mean reduced commuter journey times and less congestion, pedestrian and cycle connectivity, designated lanes for local traffic and a bus lane serving Little Island. All these elements will increase connectivity and improve road safety. This project is key to the delivery of integrated transport for Cork County, the city and the wider region."
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Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, commented: "The Dunkettle Interchange has experienced delays in moving to stage two of the project and it's great to see this progress. As an infrastructural project it is both nationally significant and of huge benefit for commuters, residents and businesses locally. It also brings with it a boost for employment and the local economy at a very welcome time."
Infrastructure elements of the upgrade works include direct road links between the N8, the N25 and the N40 and links to the R623 Regional Road in Little Island and Bury’s Bridge in Dunkettle, to create the free flow alignment. It also includes one grade separated junction at the existing N25 to the east of the existing Dunkettle Interchange, 4 roundabouts – two at the new grade separated junction and two at tie-ins with the existing road network, seven major new bridge structures, two of which cross the Cork - Midleton railway line, Intelligent Transport Systems infrastructure and pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland is working in partnership with Cork County Council and Cork City Council to deliver the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme. The main works contract will commence over the coming weeks. There will be sectional openings by 2022 with project completion expected in the first quarter of 2024.
