The laying of the tracks for the last bit of the main Luas Cross City project commences today on O’Connell Street. This begins the rest of the €368 million project that will link the Luas Red and Green lines to the existing Luas lines. The lines will be able to add 10 million journeys per year once finished. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe Td, was in O’Connell Street, to open the works on the new lines today.
“Since its inception in 2004, Luas has been a massive success. 2014 saw an additional 2.1 million journeys being taken between the Red and Green lines. The linking up of these two lines, through Luas Cross City, is expected to yield up to 10 million more journeys each year. This will create a Luas network for the first time which will add significantly to our public transport system,” the minister said at the opening in O’Connell Street.
“I’m delighted to witness today the start of the main track laying works for Luas Cross City which represents the ‘missing link’ in the creation of a Luas network for Dublin. I am also very pleased that the project is expected to come in on time and within budget. While a project of this scale will inevitably involve some level of disruption, communication and co-operation between those responsible for the delivery of the project and stakeholders means that this is being kept to a minimum.”
The minister continued saying: “I am confident that the collaboration so far can and will be maintained so that the city continues to function effectively and remains open for business. This project will be hugely beneficial for Dublin, adding significantly to our public transport system and will build on the success we have seen so far where the existing Red and Green Luas lines are concerned.”
What can be expected in the coming months and years? O’Connell Street and neighbouring areas to be joined by the two new lines will be very busy as civil engineering works start today. The works will include the tracks being layed. New paving, drainage and ducting along the alignment will be installed. A new depot building, sanding shed and wash plant in Broomsbridge will be built and new stops for the 53.5 metre trams will be layed. Changes to the older stops will also be made to accommodate the new Luas’s. The erection of Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles and the fitting of buildings will commence and a railway line in Broadstone in railway cutting will be constructed.
The new route will provide access from the northwest of the city to communities in Phibsborough and Cabra and the DIT campus in Grangegorman via Broadstone. The Luas cross City once finished will reduce traffic congestion into Dublin City Centre and will also make it easier to enter the city from all areas. The project is to be completed by late 2017 and is being developed by Sisk Steconfer Joint Venture.
Pat Lucey, Director at Sisk, said: “Sisk Steconfer Joint Venture is delighted to be involved in Luas Cross City, the biggest infrastructure project in Dublin for a number of years and one which will have a lasting impact. Building in the heart of Dublin brings its own challenges, but our experienced team is ready to deal with these and ensure the project is successfully delivered for the people of Dublin.”
There will be a lot happening in the inner city as construction commences today and businesses, shops, pedestrians and motorists have been asked for their patience and understanding during the next two years.
Hugh Creegan, Director of Transport Investment, National Transport Authority, said: “We welcome this major milestone in the Luas Cross City project. Our team has been working alongside city traders, residents and citizens over the past 18 months to minimise disruption to people’s day-to-day lives while we build this significant transport project right through the heart of the city. There is no doubt that some disruption will occur while the construction is on-going, but with our commitment to open communications and to efficient project management we intend that the city will continue to function effectively around the works. The prize at the end – a substantially improved network of transport services across our entire capital region – will be worth it.”
“This marks another important milestone in the delivery of Luas Cross City. Over the coming months people will see the familiar Luas tracks being laid across the city centre in preparation for the commencement of services at the end of 2017. We would particularly like to thank the people and businesses of Dublin for their understanding during the construction period. Luas Cross City is a hugely important project, which will link the existing Luas lines and significantly enhance public transport in Dublin,” Michael Nolan, Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said.
