THE €660 million Limerick Tunnel is due to open in the next three weeks, two months ahead of schedule.
Tom King, general manager of Direct Route, one of the main organisations involved in the PPP (Public Private Partnership) behind the Tunnel confirmed to the Limerick Post that it would be open to traffic before the end of July.
“We are working like beavers to ensure that all of the final stages are complete so that we can open in July. The lay-out is finished and we will be focusing on training with operators and finalising everything with the view to an earlier opening”.
One of the largest projects ever completed in the country,the tunnel has captured the attention of the nation.
Thousands turned out to see sections of the tunnel as they were submerged beneath the Shannon last year, while the recent open day, which allowed members of the public to walk through the structure, was a fantastic success with unprecedented numbers turning up to become part of history.
“Despite reports of a lower figure, the official number of individuals who passed through the tunnel, after car park numbers and ticket sales were tallied, was a staggering 45,000”, said Mr. King.
“There were mothers, fathers, grandparents and children there and everyone had a fantastic day in the stunning weather”.
After four years of construction, the tunnel will open to vehicular traffic in the coming weeks, an event the PPP intend to mark with another day of great celebration which is sure to see thousands flock to Limerick once more.
