New app to give live traffic info during Dunkettle works

A FREE app containing ‘real-time’ information on planned works to one of country’s busiest road junctions in Cork is set to be rolled out next year.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is currently trialing the initiative, which will provide traffic updates around the Dunkettle Interchange while it is undergoing a planned €100 million upgrade.

The works at the infamous bottleneck, which carries more than 100,000 vehicles each day, will entail the redesign of the interchange including the removal of traffic lights and the central roundabout.

This will allow traffic to move freely north-south between the M8 and the N40, easing traffic flow particularly at peak times when traffic coming from the north Cork direction can often be held up in long tailbacks.

Preparatory works have already commenced, with heavy construction set to get underway next year and be completed in 2022.

TII has pledged to do all it can to minimise traffic disruption during the works, but has warned this could proved problematic as several key national routes link into the interchange. This could become an even bigger issue if there was a breakdown or accident its vicinity while works are ongoing.

TII spokesman Sean O’Neill said a primary concern during the works had always been the management of traffic in and around the interchange.

He said the app, the first of its kind in Ireland, would allow motorists to plan their journeys around the construction works.

“We are currently testing the app and plan to have it available for free early next year,” he added.