Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase II Route

Crossing the Shannon:
Trasnú na Sionainne:

The proposed Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase II will cross the River Shannon at a location to be decided via a tunnel, a high-level bridge or a low-level bridge.

Choosing a Route
Crossing the Shannon
Constraints Study
Route Selection
Crossing Selection
CPO/EIS
CPO Confirmation
Award of PPP Contract

	Tunnel Crossing Advantages Neutral visual impact on surrounding landscape. Open 24Hrs a day all year round. No impact on shipping or leisure craft. No disruption to traffic	Disadvantages More expensive to construct than low level opening bridge. Temporary impact on River Shannon during construction. Disposal of large quantities of spoil. Cyclists and pedestrians not permitted.
	Low Level Opening Bridge Crossing Advantages Less environmental impact on River Shannon during construction. Potential for pedestrian and cyclist use. Potential for extra traffic capacity with hard shoulders. Less expensive to construct than tunnel.	Disadvantages Delays to traffic when bridge is open. Risk of ship collisions. Risk of mechanical failure causing disruption to road/river traffic. Impact on River Shannon during construction.
	High Level Bridge Crossing Advantages Open 24Hrs a day all year round. No impact on shipping or leisure craft. No disruption to traffic	Disadvantages Significant visual intrusion and obtrusion. Much longer structure than other options. Higher construction costs than other options. Capacity problems due to long steep gradients.

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