Following a competitive tender process the technical consultancy services contract for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore road scheme was recently awarded to Atkins.
The N25 is a vital link in the national road network in the southeast, connecting Cork at one end to the port of Rosslare at the other, with a link to Waterford city between these locations.
Access to two airports
It provides access to four of the country’s major ports, Cork, Waterford, New Ross and Rosslare. It also provides access to two airports, Cork and Waterford.
The project will link the N25 New Ross Bypass (due to open in 2019) and the N25 Waterford City Bypass (opened in 2009) and will consist of approximately 9.5km of dual carriageway national primary route linking these two existing upgraded sections of the N25.
This scheme has been an objective of Kilkenny County Council for many years and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as it is a key link which will have a very positive effect on traffic in the region.
The benefits of the scheme will include reduced congestion, quicker journey times, improved journey reliability and comfort and significantly higher levels of road safety on the route.
Richard Neuling, technical director Atkins, said: "Atkins is delighted to be appointed by Kilkenny County Council to deliver this scheme which will bring significant benefits to the local area and the wider region."
The programme for this year will be focused on planning and developing the route options before going on to determine the best route between the two end points.
Seamus Kavanagh, senior engineer, Kilkenny County Council, said: "The delivery of this project will have significant benefits for not just the local community but the wider travelling public."
'Significant planning and assessment work'
Thomas Brennan, acting senior executive engineer and project manager, Tramore House Regional Design Office, said: "Significant planning and assessment work has previously been completed for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore scheme.
"Atkins' commission will involve the assessment of scheme feasibility, the development of scheme options and alternatives and the identification and evaluation of a preferred option or alternative following current standards and best practice for the design of national road schemes, including current TII project appraisal requirements and current statutory requirements for environmental impact assessment."