Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 16, A joint venture between Sacyr Ireland, the Irish subsidiary of Spain’s Sacyr, and Ireland’s Wills Bros Group has been awarded a €265 million contract by Dublin Airport operator daa to construct a 1.1km-long tunnel underpass to enhance logistical operations.

A vehicle in front of Dublin Airport’s control tower

The twin tunnel will run beneath the Cross Runway and four taxiways, linking the remote West Apron to the Eastern Campus, where most airport services are located. This dedicated route will facilitate the movement of cargo vehicles, fuel bowsers, tugs, loaders, steps, and catering trucks. The twin-lane design ensures one lane remains operational during maintenance or incidents, maintaining continuous service.

The project involves reconfiguring 23,700 square meters of airport infrastructure. Denmark’s Ramboll will serve as the NEC4 Project Manager, describing the cut-and-cover construction as “open-heart surgery in a live environment” due to its complexity within an active airport setting.

Kenny Jacobs, daa’s chief executive, stated: “This underpass is about keeping people safe and keeping the airport moving. It’s a critical piece of infrastructure that’ll make a big difference – cutting travel times, boosting efficiency, and future-proofing the place as we grow. It’s the right project, at the right time, with the right team to deliver it.”

The underpass is designed to support Dublin Airport’s growth, enabling it to handle up to 40 million passengers annually. By streamlining logistics, the project will reduce transit times for essential services, improving operational efficiency and safety.

This initiative reflects daa’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure to meet rising demand while maintaining high standards of functionality. The collaboration between Sacyr Ireland and Wills Bros combines expertise in large-scale construction with local knowledge, ensuring effective project delivery.

Ramboll’s role as project manager underscores the technical precision required for constructing the tunnel in a busy airport environment. The cut-and-cover method, while challenging, allows for controlled development without disrupting daily operations.

The tunnel underpass will enhance the airport’s logistical framework, supporting seamless coordination between ground services and core operations. This development aligns with broader goals to improve passenger experiences and operational resilience.

By investing in this infrastructure, daa positions Dublin Airport as a leading hub capable of accommodating future growth. The project’s completion will mark a significant step in optimizing the airport’s capacity and efficiency, benefiting both service providers and travelers.