LATEST: Breakdown on N25 approach to Dunkettle Interchange causes further disruption to traffic in Cork city
The scene this morning at the M8 looking north.
LATEST:
THERE is a vehicle broken down on the N25 westbound diverge to the Dunkettle Interchange Roundabout blocking the left hand lane.
Motorists are advised to take care on approach.
N25 Update: #corktraffic There is a vehicle broken down on the N25 westbound diverge to the Dunkettle Interchange Roundabout blocking the left hand lane. Please take care approaching the Interchange area. @corksafetyalert @tiitraffic @corkbeo @EoinBearla
— Dunkettle Interchange (@dunkettleint) November 22, 2022
THERE are reports of long delays for motorists on the M8 approach to the Dunkettle Interchange, Jack Lynch tunnel and the South Link Road this morning.
Dunkettle roundabout’s new layout came into effect on Sunday.
Drivers are still getting used to the new system, and it could take two or three days for the changes to “settle down,” a Cork City traffic official told this week.
“It’s a fairly significant change, and it will take people a day or two to get used to it,” he said.
There were delays reported during rush hour on Monday morning “over and above the norm" and some disruption on Monday evening due to collisions.
Authorities are monitoring the traffic flows and journey times with a view to re-optimising the traffic lights. That exercise will continue over the next few days.
“The lights are not far off the optimum now,” said the official.
The main issue for drivers is the N40 approach through the Jack Lynch tunnel, he said.
“Our advice is, if you are going to the N25 east bound towards Midleton, or if you are going to Little Island, use the left hand lane in the tunnel, and then that broadens out into two lanes as you approach the lights.”
“If you go wrong going out of the tunnel, you can simply go around the roundabout and get into the right lane the second time around,” said the Dunkettle official.
“There are a lot of people doing that still.”
At non peak times, drivers have the chance to change lanes 20 yards short of the lights, “because there is still plenty of space, but that won’t be the case at peak times,” he said.
The main change is that drivers who are used to going to Little Island and on to Midleton by going right around the roundabout, will have to observe the new system more closely.
“People are still hesitant. If people are concerned about it, there are videos on the website which will show you exactly what it will look like.”
Gardaí have been on site to help out.
“They have given us great help,” said the official.
“The delays were probably slightly more than what we anticipated. But that will iron itself out in a couple of days.” Gardaí say it’s their expectation it will take a “few days to settle down.”
More information can be found at www.dunkettle.ie.
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