Ireland’s National Transport Authority has tapped Jacobs to manage a decade-long mega-project designed to upgrade the walking, cycling and bus infrastructure in Dublin and surrounding areas.
Jacobs said it will work with consultancy firms Arup, SYSTRA and Chandler KBS to form an oversight team on the BusConnects Dublin Core Bus Corridors Infrastructure Works Program, which will include the construction of approximately 230 kilometers of bus priority corridors and roughly 200 kilometers of cycle paths and improved pedestrian sites.
The program aims to improve the safety, sustainability, speed and reliability of the city’s transportation system. It also aligns with the Irish government’s goals of being a climate-neutral and climate-resilient nation.
“BusConnects Dublin aims to transform public transport and promote active travel as the viable and attractive choice for commuters and visitors, enhancing connectivity and community life, and supporting the economy and environment,” said Kate Kenny, executive vice president and general manager for Europe at Jacobs. “Building on our long-term relationship with the NTA, we bring diverse experience from critical transportation infrastructure projects in Ireland and globally to support this program.”
Other key infrastructure projects in Ireland the company is involved in include the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade and Irish Rail’s East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects program.
Aidan Gallagher, NTA’s head of BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure, said he is looking forward to the future benefits of the Core Bus Corridors development, including greater reliability, improved journey times, and better access to housing, employment and essential services.
According to Jacobs, the Irish government sees the infrastructure mega-project serving as a model for future BusConnects initiatives in Cork, Limerick and other cities.