Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD has officially opened the N11/N7 Arklow/Rathnew road PPP.

BAM PPP PGGM Infrastructure Cooperatie, the investment joint venture between BAM and Dutch pension fund service provider PGGM, together with BAM Contractors has carried out the project.

The design, build, finance and maintenance (DBFM) project consists of four sections:

• Section A: The N11 Arklow / Rathnew element of the scheme consists of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of approximately 16.5 km of dual carriageway in the administrative area of Wicklow County Council.
• Section B: The operation and maintenance of an additional 30 km section of the existing M11 route (Arklow-Gorey and Arklow Bypass), which also involves some upgrade works.
• Section C: The design and construction of a service area north of Gorey which will provide facilities for N11 traffic. The service area facilities will be provided on the western side of the dual carriageway with access to and from the southbound carriageway via an overbridge.
• Section D: The design, construction operation and maintenance of the N7 Newlands Cross junction to an overpass grade-separated junction. The N7 mainline will be raised above its existing level while the Belgard / Fonthill Road (R113) will remain at the current level.

The total project investment was €282 million (US$308 million). The project financing included circa €160 million of bank debt provided by the European Investment Bank and the Bank of Ireland.

Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive said:

"We are proud to open the M11 motorway three months ahead of schedule.  This really is a positive development not just for the local community but for all Irish road users, as this important commuter and commercial gateway is now open.  The local community and travelling public have been incredibly supportive and patient throughout the construction process, and we at BAM are especially pleased that the improved freeflow motorway will reduce commute time by 35 minutes and will leave a lasting positive impact on the region."