RPS, in a joint venture with COWI, has fulfilled the role of Project Consultant since 1999 and has worked with its JV partner, Limerick County Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA) on delivering this key piece of infrastructure. Prior to 2004, RPS led and project managed the JV team for the route selection, preliminary design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phases leading to the granting of permission by An Bord Pleanála. Since 2004, RPS has been responsible for providing technical advice and assistance to the NRA for the tender phase and provided technical advice, design review and contract monitoring services during the construction phase of the project.
In addition to providing technical advice during construction, RPS was also responsible for the preparation, supervision and administration of various advance ancillary contracts; including ground investigation, site clearance, advance ecological works and archaeological investigations.
In addition to the tunnel, the Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme comprises 10km of dual two lane carriageway, 10 bridges, two grade separated junctions, two interchanges, four underpasses, two toll plazas and a SCADA/ITS system for the operation of the tunnel. It forms Phase 2 of the Limerick Southern Ring Road, connecting the Dublin (M7), Galway (N18), Cork (N20), Tralee (N21), Waterford (N24) and Listowel (N69) roads. The tunnel, which is the fourth crossing of the River Shannon, will reduce journey times for traffic crossing the River Shannon, reduces traffic volumes moving through Limerick City, improves interconnectivity between national routes converging on Limerick City and improves access to Shannon Airport. It will deliver both economic and environmental benefits for the local community by easing traffic congestion in the city and reducing journey times.
RPS Staff and Site Team at Opening of the Limerick
The reduced traffic congestion in the city will improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians and will facilitate increased pedestrianisation and use of bus and cycle lanes in the city, while improving air quality by reducing emissions.
On the opening of the Limerick Tunnel, the Chairman of the National Roads Authority, Peter Malone said “I would like to congratulate all those involved in delivering this unique project.”
“We are delighted to have worked on this major infrastructural project since 1999 and have played a significant role in its planning, development and construction. We wish to acknowledge the very significant effort of all those involved in this project, particularly the many RPS personnel who worked on this project throughout the many phases since 1999”, says Angela Grady.
Contact:
Angela Grady, Director Roads & Transportation
T: +353 (0)1 4882900
E: angela.grady@rpsgroup.com