The National Roads Authority and the Dublin Corporation has announced intention to award the IR£353M ($320M) design and construction contract for the 4.5km long Dublin Port tunnel to the Nishimatsu/Mowlen/Ireshenco JV.
The JV has been picked from a shortlist of five international consortia.
The JV has designed the tunnel as a twin tube configuration and will construct it using two TBMs, speeding up construction time and minimising impact on overlying properties.
Construction is scheduled to start in early 2001 with completion envisaged in just over three and a half years.
High Creegan, deputy project engineer for the client told T&TI: "We have been very impressed with the calibre of the proposals submitted by the five consortia who tendered for the project; we eventually selected NMI on the basis of cost and quality and we look forward to proceeding to successful construction." The award brings to a close a lengthy tendering period that saw opposition to the scheme by local residents group the Marino Development Action Group. They expressed extreme reservations over the possible use of NATM by the winning contractor, voicing concern about its track record and suitability for the area’s ground conditions (T&TI March).
A major public information and consultation programme by the Dublin Corporation will advise residents and public on work progression.
