Tunnel works start today

Motorists in Cork city are being asked to sign up to live updates on the Jack Lynch Tunnel in order to avoid confusion and traffic delays.

Works are starting today on the tunnel but closures are not expected until next Saturday, 8 September. The works are taking place due to an EU directive for additional fire protection, and are destined to enhance public safety and route protection.

“We are going to keep the tunnel open as much as we can and it has not been necessary to close it during initial works so we would urge people to sign up for updates to keep abreast of the situation,” said a spokesperson.

“While 90 per cent of journeys will not be affected by the night-time closures when the work begins, it will really help potential users if they simply sign up for free updates so they can plan their route if they are affected.”

Email, SMS, Twitter, and a free phone number have all been set up so motorists can choose how to receive live and updated information on closures during the tunnel works  - scheduled for three months rather than the original six months

Road users can sign up to the email notification service, free of charge, by visiting www.jacklynchtunnel. Users can also subscribe to the SMS service by texting TUNNEL to 51444 or simply follow @jacklynchtunnel on Twitter for all the latest updates.

A dedicated free phone hotline on 0761 085020 has also been set up for the duration of the works which will give up to date, live closure information 24/7.

The main purpose of the updates is to inform the public of any unplanned changes to the works schedule.

The €5 million upgrade works on the Jack Lynch Tunnel will see nightly closures from 9.15pm to 7am every night with the exception of Fridays.

By closing overnight, the number of tunnel users that will be affected is minimised given, on average, 91 per cent of the total traffic volume through the tunnel takes place between 7am and 9.15pm.