Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade continues to progress with construction contract award – David Stanton

The contract award for the construction of the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade is welcome news in the progression of the project, according to Fine Gael TD for Cork East Constituency, David Stanton.

The Government has announced the award of the project’s main construction contract for the reconfiguration of the existing Dunkettle Interchange to a free-flowing interchange. The project is expected to cost €215 million in total with all works expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024. The scope of the proposed works includes:

• A series of direct road links between the N8, N25 and N40 roads 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;
• Associated pedestrian and cyclist facilities;

Speaking after confirmation of the contract award, David Stanton said “This represents a significant step in progressing a project of major importance for Cork city and the wider East Cork area. While advance works continue apace on site at Dunkettle, the award of the main construction contract for the Dunkettle Interchange is very welcome news as it provides a definitive timeline for completion of a much-needed infrastructure upgrade.

“Huge volumes of traffic from the Cork East area use the interchange on a daily basis, whether it is commuters to the city or freight traffic travelling between ports and surrounding areas. The development of a free-flowing interchange will go to great lengths in addressing congestion issues on the N25 approach to Dunkettle and reduce delays experienced by drivers at peak times”, concluded David Stanton.