Varadkar turns sod on N25 Cork Southern Ring Road
Completed N25 will see projected reduction in journey time of 75% during peak periods
Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD today officially commenced works on the N25 Cork Southern Ring Road. The Minister said: “Turning the sod on this important new road project will benefit Cork City, Cork County and the greater region.
The proposed Scheme will provide the final link to a high capacity, free flowing route from the Western end of the N22 Ballincollig Bypass to the Northern end of the Jack Lynch Tunnel for longer distance strategic traffic with a projected reduction in journey time of 75% over the extent of the Scheme during peak periods. The proposed Scheme will provide a high quality linkage between the N22 and N71 in the Southwest with the N8, N25 and N28 in the North East.
The Minister continued: “This project will improve road safety, inter-regional connectivity and improve the quality of life for people living and working in County Cork.
With an investment of €98 million on the construction of the N25 Cork Southern Ring Road it is tangible evidence of this Government’s commitment to road safety and economic growth. This follows the €75 million boost for shovel-ready transport projects which got the green light earlier this year, and which will assist our countries economic recovery.”
National Roads Authority CEO Fred Barry said: “The N25 Cork Southern Ring Road project will deliver more consistent journey times to and through the Cork region by providing a high quality link between the N22 and N71 in the Southwest with the N8, N25 and N28.”
Further information:
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Press Office. Tel: (01) 604 1076 /(01) 604 1090. Caroline Ryan (086) 891 5570.
N25 South Ring Interchanges Project Details:
The proposed N25 South Ring Interchanges Scheme comprises the upgrading of 3km of the N25 South Ring Road including;
• The grade separation of both the Bandon Road and Sarsfield Road Roundabouts,
• The demolition of footbridges at both roundabouts,
• The construction of parallel link roads between the roundabouts,
• The construction of slip roads to and from the N25 South Ring Road to meet these roundabouts or the parallel roads,
• Upgrading the approach roads to both roundabouts,
• The construction of new cycle ways/footpaths and all ancillary works therewith including overall traffic management for the works.
The main construction activities will be demolition, piling operations, ground improvement earthworks, drainage, earthworks, reinforced earth construction, concrete construction, bridge erection, road construction, road surfacing, service diversions, installation of road signs including gantry signs, installation of noise barriers, installation of traffic signals, provision of road markings, public lighting, landscaping, fencing and accommodation works.
The total budget for the scheme is €98m (includes all costs associated with the project including design costs, land etc.)
There are 5 major road projects that have either begun or will shortly be underway throughout the country are the N3 Belturbet Bypass, the N5 Longford Bypass, the N22 Tralee Bypass, the N4 Downs Grade Separation and the N52 Carrickbridge to Dalystown. Due to the current budgetary situation, no major new road projects are scheduled to commence in 2012 to 2014.