Limerick Tunnel Opens Today
The Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme comprises 10km of dual carriageway including the 675 metres Limerick Tunnel under the River Shannon. The Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme forms Phase 2 of the Limerick Southern Ring Road and connects Phase 1 at Rossbrien on the south side of the city to the N18 Ennis Road on the west and is part of the National Roads Authority’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. The concession contract was awarded to the Direct Route (Limerick) Ltd Consortium in August 2006 and they hold the concession for a 35 year period. This project has been funded by the Irish Government under National Development Plan 2007-2013 and Transport 21.
An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, TD, said “The new Limerick tunnel is an historic crossing under the river Shannon. It is a key element in our national road infrastructure and is vitally important to the people of the Mid-West. As the world economy improves, it is important to remember all the positive things happening in our country. More than €1.4 billion will be spent this year on our national, regional and local road infrastructure. This level of investment provides a much needed fiscal stimulus around the country and also helps maintain thousands of jobs. The delivery of these vital routes has transformed our national road network beyond all recognition. This investment will make us more competitive and help support jobs and economic growth as the global economy recovers”
Mr. Noel Dempsey, TD, Minister for Transport, said "The Limerick Tunnel is the outcome of many years of vision and effort. It is one of the largest infrastructural projects ever undertaken in the Mid-West region. It will provide a fourth crossing of the river Shannon in Limerick and improve access times for commuters to the city, as well as access to Shannon Airport, Galway, Cork, Kerry and Dublin. By the end of 2010 all our major cities, together with towns and villages between them will be accessible via a world class road network, which will offer safer and more reliable travel for people. I wish a safe journey to everyone travelling on this motorway and I ask all who drive on it to behave courteously to other road users."
Mr. Peter Malone Chairman, National Roads Authority, said “The Limerick Tunnel opening represents another major milestone for inter-regional connectivity. Drivers can now bypass the notorious bottleneck along the Dock road in Limerick City and travel under the river Shannon, to and from Shannon Airport, Ennis Town, and on to County Galway. The National Roads Authority, the local authorities and the entire road construction community continue to deliver on the most ambitious road infrastructure programme in Irish history. Additionally, this project improves driver safety, enhances the quality of life for the residents of Limerick city while improving regional competitiveness. It will contribute positively to growth in tourism, high end manufacturing and growing business services sector throughout the entire Midwest.
Background Information
The tunnel took four years to construct at a capital cost of €605m and it is within budget and opening ahead of schedule. The tunnel will have the capacity to take approximately 40,000 vehicles out of Limerick city centre. This will help to ease traffic congestion in the city centre, enhance business, lower CO2 emissions and improve air quality.
The Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme connects the M7 Dublin to Limerick Route with the N18/M18 Galway to Limerick Road and completes the Southern Bypass of Limerick City. It is anticipated that the remaining section of the M7 towards Limerick will be completed by the end of the year. The scheme runs from the western end of the existing Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase I at Rossbrien and initially travels westwards crossing St. Nessan’s Road, N69 Dock Road and Ballinacurra Creek. It then travels north-westerly crossing Bunlicky Lake for approximately 750m. It continues in a tunnel under the bed of the River Shannon for a distance of 675m before reaching the portal on the northside of the River Shannon. From here the route continues north-westerly crossing Meelick Creek and Cratloe Creek with a spur to the Clonmacken Roundabout before tying into the existingN18.
There are two toll plazas are located on the Clonmacken Link road and on the mainline north of the Clonmacken.
Toll Charges:
Motorbike €0.90
Car €1.80
Small Truck/Bus €3.20
3.5T Mid Truck €4.50
Large HGV €5.70
Features of the scheme:
• 10km two-lane dual carriageway
• 2.3km single lane carriageway Clonmacken Link spur to north side of the city
• 2 No. grade separated Junctions at the Dock Road and at the N18 Tie-in.
• 2 No. Interchanges at Rossbrien and at Coonagh.
• 675m long immersed tube tunnel under the river Shannon
• The tunnel has a capacity to take 40,000 vehicles per day
• The tunnel is the length of five football pitches and is the height of an average two storey house
• 750m causeway across Bunlicky lake
• 3 Bridge Crossings of Ballinacurra and Meelick Creeks
• 2 Combined Road/Rail Bridge Crossings
• 5 Road Bridges
• 4 underpasses and 8 major culverts
• 2 toll plazas and associated facilities
• 400,000m3 dredged from the river of fill material
Contact: Sean O Neill, Communications, NRA at 086-8230600