Tunnel works continue this week

Nighttime closures in the Jack Lynch Tunnel will continue this week. From 9.15pm to 7am, the tunnel will be shut each week night with the exception of Friday night.

The tunnel will be closed at 9.15pm tonight so motorists should make alternate plans.

The works are taking place due to an EU directive for additional fire protection, and are destined to enhance public safety and route protection.

The work is expected to cost in the region of €5m.

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 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.

The Jack Lynch Tunnel was opened in 1999 and its average daily traffic now exceeds 65,000 vehicles. The tunnel is vital for the free movement of traffic in and around Cork city.