N8/N25/N40 - Dunkettle Interchange [open to traffic]

Just took a drive through this and some thoughts…

N40 to N25W

Theyve not really modified this as of yet, just removed the lights, expect people will (as I was) be expecting a more gradual turn and may see some heavy breaking to make the turn.

Dunkettle Roundabout

This will be an issue, already observed people not using the roundabout correctly and jumping lanes both on the roundabout and N25E

N25E to N40W

Open and quite clear, 30kmh limit with a speed van currently parked at the bottom. The merge to M8S is okay but will need all obeying limits. The M8S is reduced to a single lane and occupies the right lane to the merge with N25W

Southern Dumbell Roundabout to N40

The roundabout on the dumbbell is not well signed with some old signage remaining and to someone with an interest was still confusing with the exits being so close. Using Cork as a designation is poor. The ramp itself merges well with N25W (if anything they’ve made it longer than it needed to be) and it’s all a single lane to the merge with M8S. Had a close call with a car from M8S who crossed the island at the earliest oppurtunity to get to the left lane entering the tunnel.

Overall

Game changing for Cork, lots to be don in terms of road resurfacing and removal of older signage etc but after the first week we should see drastic improvements. Note as in the newsletters that speed enforcement was everywhere with me personally spotting 4 vans.

Even with free flow, wonder will there be tailbacks at peak times with the 30kmh limit - especially from the East and North towards tunnel in the mornings with traffic from both directions using 1 lane only at the intersection.

Assuming this will go to 50/60kmh when everything has been fully opened.

All they need to do now is make the toll booths freeflow like on the M50.

This is still the big question for me, and if no-one gets out for a mooch today I'll report in tomorrow when I get to work!

Should be solid white all the way from N25 M8 merge to the other side of the tunnel.

Well, the first A1 roundabout is just south of there at Hillsborough. But the big error is that there hasn't been a roundabout at Red Cow for quite some time.

Anyone forced to use this interchange daily to get to and from work would disagree.

The opening hasn't come soon enough after being delayed time and time again.

I am hoping being stopped on the Kinsale flyover on my way home from work are a thing of the past.

Yes, I think that's very likely - get drivers used to going through here slowly, as the 60 km/h limit will stay on the interchange once done.

But July is a good time - it is the lowest-traffic period of the year, and so it's the best time to make major changes without creating total chaos. Waiting two more months means September, when schools and colleges return, and traffic increases.

Plus, these links have to open early, because until they do, it is impossible to remove the roundabout and complete the remaining movements.

Great new video from Drone Hawk.

Shocking that work crews had to block unfinished links with excavators just in case.

Q. How are they going to pay for all of this ?

A. Put cash/camera Vans at every possible site and then lower the limit to an unrealistic 60 Kph

The whole thing was delayed 12 months minimum when appointing the contractor. Google it.

Seeing the merges from both viewpoints in that video is helpful to me. That merge of tunnel-bound city traffic with Dublin traffic does seem like a spot for small tips etc, and the inevitable tailbacks that may ensue.

Being optimistic, drivers from Dublin direction will be careful & considerate of merging traffic.

Being pessimistic, a rash of road-blocking tips will lead to a return of traffic lights at that location?

Another useful video. Even though it's Sunday, looks to be quite a buildup of traffic from Glanmire direction looking to access Dunkettle (Tivoli) roundabout. 30 kph on the cloverleaf.

The provision of at surface pedestrian crossings at points on this scheme is very unsafe. There should be pedestrian bridges.

Two slip roads at the Dunbell interchange to the east have pedestrian crossing. Even more unsafe are those provided at the start of the N28 DC at the roundabout.

Very poor design.