Construction has begun in Limerick on a €100 million tunnel under the Shannon. The 900-metre tunnel, which will be tolled, forms part of the biggest road-engineering project ever undertaken in the State outside of Dublin.
The tunnel marks the biggest infrastructural challenge in the second phase of the €350 million Limerick southern ring road. The 10km stretch of dual-carriageway, which includes the tunnel and a series of bridges, is expected to be completed in 2009.
The project will remove 25,000 vehicles daily from Limerick city centre.There are just three bridges over the Shannon in Limerick city and this fourth river crossing is eagerly awaited.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has proposed a toll of €1.60 per car and more than €5 for every articulated lorry using the new tunnel and bypass. It is estimated the toll will generate revenue of €20 million in its first year of business.
Many councillors in Limerick oppose the proposed toll, and have accused the Government of imposing a double tax on motorists. The Irish Road Haulage Association has said businesses located along the Shannon Estuary and in the port of Foynes would be worst hit by the toll.