Driving to work via the Dunkettle this morning? Here's what you need to know
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Works have been completed on three key link roads through the Dunkettle interchange.
The new link roads will mean big changes for how Cork motorists use the Jack Lynch Tunnel and what is one of Ireland’s busiest junctions.
A statement issued on the Dunkettle Interchange Twitter account, engineers confirmed that works associated with the completion of the new links had "progressed well" and Links A, E and G have now been opened to traffic, one hour ahead of schedule.
Motorists have been advised to pay particular attention to signage in and around the interchange and to exercise care and caution while becoming familiar with the layout of the new link roads.
#corktraffic Works associated with completion of the new links have progressed well and the new layout will be in place by 10am this morning, slightly ahead of schedule. @CorkSafetyAlert @TIITraffic @EoinBearla @corkbeo
— Dunkettle Interchange (@dunkettleint) November 20, 2022
The biggest changes will affect motorists travelling northbound through the tunnel. The changes are the most significant since the tunnel opened.
Those using the northbound bore who wish to continue north onto the M8 Dublin road will be required to use the bore's right-hand lanes, while those heading east towards Little Island and Midleton will have to use its left lanes.
Link A will take motorists driving northbound through the tunnel onto a new route around the roundabout, via a new overpass that carries the M8 southbound, and then eastwards towards Little Island and the N25 to Midleton.
There will be no change to traffic flow for northbound traffic heading for the M8 and Dublin.
The opening of link A will trigger the immediate closure of the N25 eastbound merge road on the eastern side of the roundabout.
At the same time, link E will open, providing a new free-flow route through the interchange for southbound traffic on the M8 wishing to head east.
These motorists will no longer have to interact with the roundabout.
Traffic heading east on this new link will now merge with traffic on link A where motorists will then have the option of either continuing on the N25 eastbound or taking the third new section of road, link G, which gives access to Little Island.
The massive Dunkettle interchange upgrade, which includes the removal of traffic lights from the Dunkettle roundabout and the construction of several new flyovers and underpasses, is designed to create a largely free-flow interchange to allow north-south traffic on the M8 and east-west traffic on the N25 flow freely.
It is hoped the upgrade will cater for forecasted traffic growth up to 2050. The scheme is on target for completion within 18 months.
Last month, two key links opened to provide road users travelling eastbound on the N8 with a new access route to Little Island — a busy employment and retail area.
It included the opening of a combined pedestrian and cycleway facility that provides safe access for cyclists and pedestrians to Little Island from the Tivoli roundabout.