New Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Delivers in Cork, Ireland

The new Dunkettle Interchange in Cork, Ireland was officially opened by the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, marking a significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Cork. The $230 million (€215m) project promises to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and streamline traffic flow for the region's residents and businesses.

This major reconfiguration creates a signal-free junction between the strategically important M8, N25 and N40 to the east of Cork, and is vital to future sustainability, economic growth and improved quality of life for communities.

Traffic volumes through the Dunkettle interchange are at an all-time high, approaching 120,000 vehicles on the busier days of the week. Despite this, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) reports that journey times during peak hours have reduced by almost 50% on average as a result of this upgrade project. 

Over 12 years, Jacobs has been TII's trusted consultant to cover a range of complex challenges on the Dunkettle Interchange project. These have spanned a range of delivery phases, each with their own unique requirements.

"Cork is a vibrant, growing city, a location that is hugely attractive for investment and as a place to live and work," says Jacobs Senior Vice President Kate Kenny. "Infrastructure projects like the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade are critical to contribute positively to the quality of life for the community, sustain economic development and continue to ensure Cork’s position as a thriving city.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD says: "I’m delighted to officially open the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme today. This infrastructure project represents a significant investment in Cork's future and provides a vital link in the region's transport network. I believe that it will be a catalyst for enhancing economic and social activity right across Cork and the entire Munster region.”

“The Dunkettle Project completion marks the culmination of a journey that has been ten years in the making," adds Transport Infrastructure Ireland Chief Executive Peter Walsh. "Planning permission for the scheme was first received in 2013, and ongoing close collaboration between the Government, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, John Sisk & Son Ltd. and Jacobs allowed the project to move forward. It was delivered through innovation and commitment by the entire project team and with the support and patience of the public.”

Through this close collaboration, TII aimed to significantly improve the existing junction layout for all users, including the junction safety, operation and capacity at this strategically important interface. Located in an intertidal area of conservation with considerable important flora and fauna, all works had to be undertaken while maintaining full operation of the junction and adjacent railway line.

We have more than 1,200 employees in Ireland serving clients in sectors – most notably Advanced Manufacturing, Cities & Places including Transport Planning, Energy & Power, Environment and other Infrastructure. Projects include the National Transport Authority's BusConnects Dublin and BusConnects Cork programs, bus service planning across the whole of Ireland, the NTA’s Modelling Support Services and Cork County Council’s M28 Motorway project. Jacobs also supports Irish Rail's East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects program – the largest coastal protection scheme in North-Western Europe, the WuXi Biologics Drug Substance Manufacturing Facility and Edwards Lifesciences Greenfield Manufacturing Facility.