Traffic congestion is a persistent issue on Cork City’s busiest road, the N40. In order to combat this problem, a €2.4 million off-ramp extension project has been approved by councillors at a city council meeting.
The aim of this project is to prevent westbound traffic from queuing at Mahon junction 10, which currently causes significant congestion and delays. The extension will be fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and will be implemented within the existing road footprint.
In addition to the ramp extension, improvements such as a dedicated left-turn only lane for residents of Jacobs Island and a safety examination of the Jacobs Island junction will also be considered. The project is expected to reduce traffic noise levels and will include the replacement and extension of sound abatement barriers along the off-ramp.
These measures are crucial, particularly with the anticipated increase in traffic queuing after the Dunkettle Interchange becomes fully operational. By addressing these congestion issues, the project aims to enhance traffic flow and improve the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
Extension Project Details
The €2.4m off-ramp extension project for Cork City’s busiest road aims to prevent queuing and congestion at the Mahon junction 10, which experiences high traffic volumes during peak hours, particularly around Christmas.
This extension has been designed to address the issue of westbound traffic queuing on the N40 hard shoulder, causing congestion and delays. With the Dunkettle Interchange set to become fully operational, it is anticipated that traffic queuing will further increase along this stretch of road.
The project, fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will be delivered within the existing road footprint and will include improvements such as a dedicated left-turn only lane for residents of Jacobs Island. Additionally, the safety and efficiency of the Jacobs Island junction will be examined, and improvements will be implemented as part of the ramp extension project or after the works.
The proposed new surface will also help reduce traffic noise levels, and sound abatement barriers along the off-ramp will be replaced and extended.
Improvements to Jacobs Island Junction
Improvements to the Jacobs Island Junction aim to enhance safety and efficiency at the intersection connecting Blackrock, Mahon, and Jacobs Island, following a request for a dedicated left-turn only lane for the residents.
The Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will be examining the safety and efficiency of the junction, and the Cork City Council will engage with them in this examination.
These improvements are part of the off-ramp extension project, which is designed to prevent queuing on the N40 hard shoulder. Currently, the traffic queue extends into the westbound driving lane, causing congestion.
With the expected increase in traffic queuing after the Dunkettle Interchange becomes fully operational, these improvements are crucial.
The project will be delivered within the existing road footprint and will also include a proposed new surface to reduce traffic noise levels.
Sound abatement barriers along the off-ramp will be replaced and extended, further enhancing the overall improvements at the Jacobs Island Junction.
Future Traffic Projection
Projected traffic volumes at the Jacobs Island Junction are expected to increase significantly after the Dunkettle Interchange becomes fully operational. This junction, located on Cork City’s busiest road, plays a crucial role in providing connectivity to Blackrock, Mahon, and Jacobs Island.
Currently, the junction experiences congestion during peak hours, especially around Christmas. In order to alleviate this issue and prevent further traffic queuing, a €2.4m off-ramp extension has been approved by councillors at the city council meeting. The extension, fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), will be delivered within the existing road footprint. It aims to prevent westbound traffic from queuing at the Mahon junction, where the traffic queue often extends into the westbound driving lane causing congestion.
Furthermore, with the expected increase in traffic volumes, it is crucial to examine the safety and efficiency of the Jacobs Island junction and implement necessary improvements as part of the ramp extension project or after the works.
