Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 2 (Limerick Tunnel)
- Project Type Roads / Bridges
- Client National Roads Authority
- Company Involvement The Limerick Tunnel PPP Project was awarded to the Direct Route Consortium in August 2006.Roadbridge is a member of this consortium and successfully completed works to the value of €125m as a partner subcontractor.
- Form of Contract Public Private Partnership (PPP)
- Dates August 2006 - September 2010
- Location Limerick, Ireland
The project included the main tunnel crossing of the River Shannon, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EU Habitats Directive. The southern approach to the tunnel passed through Bunlicky Lake, a Natural Heritage Area (NHA). In addition the scheme, traversed through the Lower Shannon Special Protection Area including Cratloe, Meelick and Ballinacurra Creeks (SPA) designated under the EU Birds Directive. The tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel measuring 675m in length. The tube consists of two bores, for Southbound and Northbound traffic. Five tunnel units were cast, floated out and sunk into a pre-dredged channel. The tunnel is completed by cut and covers sections at each end and approach ramps.
Key Features
- 9.8km two-lane Dual Carriageway
- 2.3km single lane Dual Carriageway
- 4 no. Grade Separated Interchanges
- 675m immersed tube tunnel under the River Shannon
- 750m Causeway across Bunlicky Lake
- 6 no. Underpasses and 8 no. Culverts
- 11 no. Bridges
- 2 no. Toll Plazas and associated facilities
