Thousands of people get to walk under the river Shannon through a new tunnel in Limerick.
Ireland's newest road tunnel which is nine hundred metres in length has taken four years to build, at a cost of €60 million.
This major infrastructue investment links the N7 Dublin Limerick road, the N18 Limerick Ennis road and provides a link to the N20 Cork road. Due to open at the end of July, it is estimated that the tolled road will reduce journey times by twenty minutes.
Direct Route general managerTom King says the tunnel will relieve traffic congestion in Limerick city, as it is designed for an average traffic flow of 40,000 vehicles.
Those who came to walk under the Shannon have enjoyed the experience. One local resident has been following the tunnel construction from the start,
It was nice to come down and see it for ourselves.
Today may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk through the tunnel, as the National Roads Authority has said that following the official opening to vehicular traffic, it will not be safe for pedestrians.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 June 2010. The reporter is Helen Donohoe.
