Port Tunnel

PaulieC · 24-01-2007 1:50pm #1

Apologies if been asked before, but when is this opened to all road users? I thought it was supposed to be Jan 22. It's not that I want to use it all the time (who could afford that!), but I'd like to have a wee spin...

thanks

markpb · 24-01-2007 3:03pm

They said it would be restricted to HGVs for "about" a month until they could evaulate traffic flows. I'd imagine it'll be another while before its fully open.

Slightly off topic, it seems to close quite regularly and not always reported by the press. Both tunnels were closed as was the M1 northbound at about 11pm on Monday night. Other Sundays I've driven past and seen at least the southbound tunnel closed. Is it maintaince or are there just a lot of incidences?

spockety · 24-01-2007 4:05pm

'twas also closed last night, southbound at least, when I drove past at about 10.30pm

Mad Dog · 24-01-2007 4:07pm

It seems to close most nights and this is just for essential maintenance and not because of any incidents.

Wishbone Ash · 24-01-2007 6:00pm

Yep, closed for checkups, maintenance, teething problem resolutions, safety training/updating etc. Normal procedure with any large project.

spacetweek · 24-01-2007 7:06pm

Yes folks, can't remember link but they said around the opening date that it would be closed every night for about the first month.

1huge1 · 24-01-2007 8:20pm

ya id pay the price just once to see whats its like, i can't imagine anyone using it to beat traffic unless you have a fair bit of money handy

Chris_533976 · 24-01-2007 9:10pm

Save a bit of cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NHVSObLZ7Q

JaysusMacfeck · 24-01-2007 9:50pm

I want to set up a camera in the car and drive through it. That'll be 13 quid, for cars, is it??

bk · 25-01-2007 1:02am

JaysusMacfeck wrote:

I want to set up a camera in the car and drive through it. That'll be 13 quid, for cars, is it??

At the most expensive time, it can be €3 at off-peak times.

Northbound Toll Charges
Monday to Friday 0600 — 1600 €6
1600 — 1900 €12
1900 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3
Saturday, Sunday
& Bank Holidays 0600 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

Southbound Toll Charges
Monday to Friday 0600 — 1000 €12
1000 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3
Saturday, Sunday
& Bank Holidays 0600 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

JaysusMacfeck · 25-01-2007 1:18am

Thanks for posting that info. Guess I'd want to hit it either during the brightest time of day or perhaps exit from the south during sunset to get a good overall shot on the video camera.

I still think 3 EURO is too much for off peak cars. It's a bit cheeky.

Victor · 25-01-2007 1:42am

JaysusMacfeck wrote:

I still think 3 EURO is too much for off peak cars. It's a bit cheeky.

Its meant for trucks, not cars.

JaysusMacfeck · 25-01-2007 3:16am

Victor wrote:

Its meant for trucks, not cars.

Oh right.

Our man in Havana · 25-01-2007 3:21am

Victor wrote:

Its meant for trucks, not cars.

Why not ban cars so?

JaysusMacfeck · 25-01-2007 4:02am

Cos they get 3 euro, silly!

Chris_533976 · 25-01-2007 9:29pm

Means that it can be used in an emergency for a fee. Good idea IMO. Keep cars out but allow them to use it if they have to.

DerekP11 · 25-01-2007 10:24pm

Port Tunnel opens to all traffic on Sunday 28th January.

The Swordsman · 26-01-2007 2:30pm

Chris_533976 wrote:

Save a bit of cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NHVSObLZ7Q

Bit boring isn't it? Not worth €3 IMO. Whoever pays 12 euro must have more money than sense.

They could at least have put something on the walls - pictures of dolly birds perhaps. Or adverts which could subsidise the tolls.

spacetweek · 26-01-2007 4:52pm

The Swordsman wrote:

Bit boring isn't it? Not worth €3 IMO. Whoever pays 12 euro must have more money than sense.

They could at least have put something on the walls - pictures of dolly birds perhaps. Or adverts which could subsidise the tolls.

Boring?? It's for avoiding traffic jams, it's not entertainment!

The tolls aren't supposed to be subsidized... they're high so it's a congestion charge.

Wishbone Ash · 27-01-2007 2:29pm

Edit. Info already posted.

Wishbone Ash · 28-01-2007 8:00am

Took a spin through this morning. It's much wider than it appears from the outside and it's also much bendier than I had anticipated making sightlines short. There was a 50kph speed limit also. Here are a few pics - apologies for poor quality.

(Girl in toll booth said I was the 2nd car through - southbound

)

hmmm · 28-01-2007 11:46am

To ask a stupid question - why is there bends in a tunnel?

Ciaran500 · 28-01-2007 11:52am

http://www.dublinporttunnel.ie/route_and_location_maps/national_road_network_map/

Why not?

Wishbone Ash · 28-01-2007 12:03pm

hmmm wrote:

To ask a stupid question - why is there bends in a tunnel?

Presumably to take the course of least resistance, i.e. avoid very hard rock etc.??

johnnyrotten · 28-01-2007 12:08pm

hmmm wrote:

To ask a stupid question - why is there bends in a tunnel?

The DPT is bored mainly through Limestone rock. The tunnel rises and falls , twists and turns to follow this rock.

johnnyrotten · 28-01-2007 12:12pm

The Swordsman wrote:

Bit boring isn't it? Not worth €3 IMO. Whoever pays 12 euro must have more money than sense.

They could at least have put something on the walls - pictures of dolly birds perhaps. Or adverts which could subsidise the tolls.

Its a means of getting from A to B. Not an means of entertainment. Driving on above ground motorways is'nt exactly exciting either.

€12 is well spent if you are in a hurry for a ferry or a point depot concert

johnnyrotten · 28-01-2007 12:15pm

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Took a spin through this morning. It's much wider than it appears from the outside and it's also much bendier than I had anticipated making sightlines short. There was a 50kph speed limit also. Here are a few pics - apologies for poor quality.

(Girl in toll booth said I was the 2nd car through - southbound )

Hope that was a handsfree camera

Ham'nd'egger · 28-01-2007 1:11pm

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Presumably to take the course of least resistance, i.e. avoid very hard rock etc.??

Victor

Actually, tunnels are best set through harder rock formations as it stresses the tunnel walls far less than softer rock, water erosion is minimised (Hard rock tends to be less permeable and land creep is greater with soft rocks.

The tunnel will curve underground to go through harder rock, to help improve it's structural strength and to avoid faultlines in rock, underground rivers etc

Wishbone Ash · 28-01-2007 1:55pm

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Presumably to take the course of least resistance, i.e. avoid very hard rock etc.??

Hamndegger wrote:

Victor

Actually, tunnels are best set through harder rock formations as it stresses the tunnel walls far less than softer rock, water erosion is minimised (Hard rock tends to be less permeable and land creep is greater with soft rocks.

The tunnel will curve underground to go through harder rock, to help improve it's structural strength and to avoid faultlines in rock, underground rivers etc

Thanks for that Ham'nd'egger. I didn't think of that.

PS - Where are you going with the "Victor"? I ain't no Victor.

Chris_533976 · 28-01-2007 1:56pm

Plus Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are much more effective in hard rock and clog and stop in soft clay like stuff.

Victor · 28-01-2007 2:53pm

http://www.nra.ie/News/PressReleases/htmltext,4613,en.html

Dublin Port Tunnel Opens to All Traffic on Sunday 28th January 2007
24th January, 2007

As of Sunday January 28, 2007 at 6 a.m., the Dublin Port Tunnel will be open for use by all cars, buses and motorcycles. Heavy Goods Vehicles HGVs) and coaches over 25 seats are toll free. Tolling charges will apply to all cars, motorcycles, car vans and light commercial vehicles of 3.5 tonnes and under.

Hugh Creegan, Head of Programme Management for the NRA said,

“The bedding-in period for HGVs has worked well and we are happy to be moving toward full opening.”

Approximately 6,000 HGVs a day are using the Dublin Port Tunnel to travel between Dublin Port and the National Roads Network.

Night time closures of the tunnel will continue for the next few weeks between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. This is to allow for the completion of final systems calibarations and testing.

The tolls apply to cars, taxis, motorcycles and car vans/light commercial vehicles of 3.5 tonnes and under.
Northbound Toll Charges
Monday to Friday 			0600 &#8212; 1600	&#8364;6 
					1600 &#8212; 1900	&#8364;12
					1900 &#8212; 2200	&#8364;6
					2200 &#8212; 0600	&#8364;3
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 	0600 &#8212; 2200	&#8364;6
					2200 &#8212; 0600	&#8364;3

Southbound Toll Charges
Monday to Friday 			0600 &#8212; 1000	&#8364;12
					1000 &#8212; 2200 	&#8364;6
					2200 &#8212; 0600 	&#8364;3
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 	0600 &#8212; 2200 	&#8364;6
					2200 &#8212; 0600	&#8364;3
Additional Information

* Approximately 6,000 HGVs over 17 tonnes are currently using the €751m tunnel per day.
* This figure is expected to rise with the introduction of the Dublin City Council HGV Strategy banning large trucks from Dublin city streets which will be implemented on 19th February 2007. This means that all HGVs with 5 axles or more, exiting the Port, must use the Tunnel to access the national road network between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.. However, Dublin City Council will put in place an online permit system to facilitate HGVs who must make deliveries in the city between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
* The Dublin Port Tunnel is being operated be Transroute Tunnel Operations Limited on behalf of the National Roads Authority.
* Drivers using the Dublin Port Tunnel are advised to switch on dipped headlights and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The maximum speed limit inside the Tunnel is 80 km/h. Further user information regarding safety, access, tolls, etc is available on www.dublinporttunnel.ie in Irish, English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian and Chinese. Or contact Transroute at lo-call telephone number 1890-252435.

For further information please contact Sean O'Neill 01 6658744, 087 823 0600

Ham'nd'egger · 28-01-2007 5:41pm

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Thanks for that Ham'nd'egger. I didn't think of that.

PS - Where are you going with the "Victor"? I ain't no Victor.

Sorry about that..... Victoria

Navan Junction · 28-01-2007 8:50pm

I went through it today. Interesting to see it after all of the fuss - didn't spot a single drip or puddle..:D

The rolling speed limit will take a bit to get used to.. I thought it had a 80 limit but it's set at 50kph at the moment. Kind of hard to stay at that speed on an empty 2 lane tunnel.

The Gardaí were catching those speeding coming out at the Port - I have to say I thought that was a bit much - when you go in to the tunnel at first you are trying to take everything in and if you miss the reduction on the 80kph on the approach, apparently the tunnel is lined with speed camera's..

Apart from that it does what it says on the tin. Pity I then had to pay another toll on the East Link to get to where I was really going to (Bray)..

The Swordsman · 29-01-2007 12:09pm

johnnyrotten wrote:

Its a means of getting from A to B. Not an means of entertainment. Driving on above ground motorways is'nt exactly exciting either.

You're right. Bad idea about the dolly birds and the adverts - what was I thinking??:o Anyway, GRIFT and his mates will probably decorate the walls anyway.

johnnyrotten wrote:

€12 is well spent if you are in a hurry for a ferry or a point depot concert

Yeah. But is it good value for a sightseeing tour?

JaysusMacfeck · 29-01-2007 4:05pm

I'm sure this has been aswered several times.. is the 747 bus using the tunnel yet? What about aircoach and others?

johnnyrotten · 29-01-2007 5:52pm

JaysusMacfeck wrote:

I'm sure this has been aswered several times.. is the 747 bus using the tunnel yet? What about aircoach and others?

Will it FIt:p

Alun · 29-01-2007 6:10pm

JaysusMacfeck wrote:

I'm sure this has been aswered several times.. is the 747 bus using the tunnel yet? What about aircoach and others?

Neither were the last time I used them in recent (post tunnel opening) times.

Wishbone Ash · 29-01-2007 9:59pm

JaysusMacfeck wrote:

What about aircoach and others?

Somehow, I doubt it as it would make using the Drumcondra stop difficult!

MadsL · 31-01-2007 3:43am

Whats with the €6 Sunday daytime charge - bit steep!!

loyatemu · 06-02-2007 11:39am

the 747 is supposed to be an express City Centre to Airport service - it ought to use the tunnel.

I went through the tunnel last week - got from the IFSC to the airport in about 15 mins, and that was (more or less) sticking to the 50km/h limit. So well worth the €6 if you're in a rush to catch a plane.

spockety · 06-02-2007 12:13pm

Motorcycles should surely be free....

John R · 06-02-2007 2:24pm

spockety wrote:

Motorcycles should surely be free....

You would think so but no, they are treated the same as cars.

http://www.dublinporttunnel.ie/tolls_and_permitted_vehicles/

The following may use the Tunnel toll-free:

* All commercial vehicles above 3.5 tonnes laden weight
* Buses wih more than 25 seats
* Vehicles driven by physically disabled drivers that have been specially adapted for physically disabled drivers

The tolls apply to cars, taxis, motorcycles and car vans/light commercial vehicles, less than 3.5 tonnes.

Northbound Toll Charges

Monday to Friday
0600 — 1600 €6
1600 — 1900 €12
1900 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays
0600 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

Southbound Toll Charges

Monday to Friday
0600 — 1000 €12
1000 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays

0600 — 2200 €6
2200 — 0600 €3

John R · 06-02-2007 2:31pm

loyatemu wrote:

the 747 is supposed to be an express City Centre to Airport service - it ought to use the tunnel.

The problem is that it's pick-up stop is on Upper O'Connell Street so it would have to get from there to the tunnel.

The 748 should and AFAIK does use the tunnel as it's last pick-up is in Busaras.

Some Bus Eireann services, in particular the Belfast/Derry/Letterkenny via Dublin Airport routes are also using it now at peak times as it is much quicker than getting out through Drumcondra.

Hotblack Desiato · 06-02-2007 7:18pm

spockety wrote:

Motorcycles should surely be free....

Yes on every other toll road, NOT in the Port Tunnel.
Encouraging bikes to go into a tunnel intended exclusively for HGVs really isn't a good idea, safety wise.

markpb · 09-02-2007 9:58am

ninja900 wrote:

Yes on every other toll road, NOT in the Port Tunnel.
Encouraging bikes to go into a tunnel intended exclusively for HGVs really isn't a good idea, safety wise.

Except it isn't (now) intended for HGVs only and, in fact, anyone can drive in it.

Stark · 09-02-2007 12:04pm

It is indended for HGVs. Cars are allowed use it, but the tolls for cars are high in order to deter them. HGVs use it for free.

Wishbone Ash · 09-02-2007 4:50pm

markpb wrote:

anyone can drive in it.

Provided that they have a full driving licence for the category of vehicle they use.

MICKEYG · 09-02-2007 4:52pm

Stark wrote:

It is indended for HGVs. Cars are allowed use it, but the tolls for cars are high in order to deter them. HGVs use it for free.

I think the point is that if they do not want cars, just ban them and do away with the toll and the costly operation of the toll booth.

Bluetonic · 09-02-2007 5:09pm

MICKEYG wrote:

I think the point is that if they do not want cars, just ban them and do away with the toll and the costly operation of the toll booth.

Tax-payers money paid for it so it would be more than a scandal to have the public banned from it.

How costly is it to operate the toll booth? Do you have costings or are you just shooting into the breeze.

MICKEYG · 09-02-2007 5:33pm

Bluetonic wrote:

Tax-payers money paid for it so it would be more than a scandal to have the public banned from it.

How costly is it to operate the toll booth? Do you have costings or are you just shooting into the breeze.

If tax payers money paid for it why are we being tolled? Tolls (which I strongly disagree with as they are extremely inefficient and inequitable) should only be put on roads built by private operators with private money.

As for the cost, I am sure the building were a few million and there are maybe 6 or 7 operators at any given time (anyone know). They have salaries. Might not be a lot but it could be used by the health service.

Victor · 10-02-2007 3:00am

MICKEYG wrote:

If tax payers money paid for it why are we being tolled?

To get the money back for the tax-payers from the users.

Tolls (which I strongly disagree with as they are extremely inefficient and inequitable) should only be put on roads built by private operators with private money.

So how do you discourage people from mis-using the tunnel then. While you could put an absolute ban on cars, it would probably be impractical and unenforceable.

Port Tunnel

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