The Circle K motorway service area on the M11 near Gorey, Co Wexford, has been officially opened. The project is the first of three service areas to be delivered under the Tranche 2 motorway services area (MSA) PPP contract. This 24-hour facility in Gorey is the largest Circle K site in the world and has generated 40 jobs for the local area. It is set to cater for up to 20,000 motorists daily.

Part of an overall investment of €35m

The newest opening is part of an overall investment of €35 million by Circle K into the development of four new sites. The first of these sites located at J7 Kill on the N7 opened late last year with further new site openings scheduled for this year on the M9 at Kilcullen in Co Kildare and the M6 at Athlone along with this newest addition in Gorey. The location of the site is of significant strategic importance to both Circle K and the M11/N11 commuter belt and is expected to cater for thousands of Irish commuters. Circle K was successfully awarded the PPP contract by TII to design, build, finance, maintain and operate three new online motorway service areas for the duration of the 25-year contract. The contract includes the fit-out and upgrade of the facility on the M11 near Gorey and the construction of two new facilities on the M6 near Athlone and on the M9 near Kilcullen. Atkins is providing civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering and environmental services for Circle K in the delivery of the Tranche 2 MSA contract. Justin Norman, managing director, Atkins, said: "Atkins is proud to work with Circle K in the delivery of this Contract. Our extensive experience in both building design and highways projects is has been integral to the progression of these projects.

'Important safety improvement on M11, M6 and M9'

"The service areas are an important safety improvement on the M11, M6 and M9 by providing facilities for drivers to stop and rest in line with Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) policy." Kevin Holland, associate director, Atkins, said: "It is fantastic to see the opening of the first of the motorway service area sites to be delivered under the Tranche 2 contract having been involved in the project since conceptual design stage. We look forward to continuing to work with Circle K and TII for the delivery for the sites in Athlone and Kilcullen over the coming months." Construction works are ongoing on the sites on the M9 and M6 motorways. When completed the new sites will include: • More than 10km of internal circulation access roads • Primary Foul water treatment and pumping station • More than 7km of rising foul main • Integrated Constructed Wetlands • Car and motorcycle parking areas • Commercial vehicle/truck parking (including ADR spaces) • Coach/bus parking • Refuelling facilities for all vehicles • Electric Vehicle charging points • Restaurant/hot food outlets • Customer seating areas • Convenience shop facilities • Play areas for children • Tourist information facilities • Toilet facilities • Showering facilities • Baby-changing facilities