Dunkettle Interchange
Encyclopedia
The Dunkettle Interchange is a major road junction in east Cork City, Ireland
forming a junction between the M8
and the N25. The junction is currently a 4 arm signalised junction with a flyover, allowing traffic travelling in a east-west direction and vica-versa to avoid having to use the roundabout. On average, 95,000 vehicles use the junction on a daily basis.
The next significant upgrade came in 1999. In the order to facilitate the opening of the new Jack Lynch Tunnel
, a 4th arm heading southbound was added. At the same time, the present flyover of the roundabout was added in anticipation of increased traffic levels. Access slip roads into and out of Little Island were also added along with access to the tunnel management building.
The final upgrade was completely in 2006. This involved installing traffic lights on the roundabout in order to increase the capacity of the junction.
and Cork County Council
believe that the junction is now unfit for purpose. Jacobs Engineering Ireland Limited have been appointed by the NRA to create plans to make the junction freeflow in all movements.
On 5 June 2011, the NRA presented five different solutions to create a free flow junction. Selection of the winning option and the commencement of construction will happen before 2014.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
forming a junction between the M8
M8 motorway (Ireland)
The M8 motorway is an inter-urban motorway in Ireland, which forms part of the road from the capital - Dublin - to Cork city. The 149 km motorway commences in the townland of Aghaboe, County Laois and runs through the counties of Kilkenny, North Tipperary, South Tipperary and Limerick,...
and the N25. The junction is currently a 4 arm signalised junction with a flyover, allowing traffic travelling in a east-west direction and vica-versa to avoid having to use the roundabout. On average, 95,000 vehicles use the junction on a daily basis.
History
The Dunkettle Interchange was constructed in order to link the N25 to the newly constructed Glanmire bypass which formed part of the N8 at Dunkettle. The junction opened in 1992 along with the Glanmire bypass. At the time, the junction had 3 arms, along with two access sliproads to allow access to and from Glounthaune.The next significant upgrade came in 1999. In the order to facilitate the opening of the new Jack Lynch Tunnel
Jack Lynch Tunnel
The Jack Lynch Tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel and an integral part of the N25 southern ring road of Cork in Ireland. It is named after former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, a native of Cork....
, a 4th arm heading southbound was added. At the same time, the present flyover of the roundabout was added in anticipation of increased traffic levels. Access slip roads into and out of Little Island were also added along with access to the tunnel management building.
The final upgrade was completely in 2006. This involved installing traffic lights on the roundabout in order to increase the capacity of the junction.
Future
Due to the volumes of traffic using the junction on a daily basis, the National Roads AuthorityNational Roads Authority
The National Roads Authority is a state body in the Republic of Ireland, responsible for the national road network. The NRA was established as part of the Roads Act 1993 and commenced operations on 23 December 1993 in accordance with S.I. 407 of 1993.County councils remain responsible for local...
and Cork County Council
Cork County Council
Cork County Council is the local authority which is responsible for County Cork in Ireland. The Council is responsible for Housing and Community, Roads and Transportation, Urban planning and Development, Amenity and Culture, and Environment. The head of the council has the title of Cathaoirleach...
believe that the junction is now unfit for purpose. Jacobs Engineering Ireland Limited have been appointed by the NRA to create plans to make the junction freeflow in all movements.
On 5 June 2011, the NRA presented five different solutions to create a free flow junction. Selection of the winning option and the commencement of construction will happen before 2014.