The Phoenix Park Rail Tunnel reopens this morning for the first time in over a hundred years.
The 700 metre-long tunnel which runs under the park will provide new peak services for commuters travelling between Newbridge and Grand Canal Dock.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First Newbridge to Grand Canal Dock service via Phoenix Park Tunnel ready to depart! <a href="https://t.co/mfRcOkEO1Y">pic.twitter.com/mfRcOkEO1Y</a></p>— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrishRail/status/800583242038571008">November 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Up until now this tunnel was only used to transfer small amounts of freight between Heuston and Connolly as well as engines and out of service trains.
This upgrade works cost 13.7 million euro paid for by the National Transport Authority.
The new services connect stations between Newbridge/Hazelhatch with Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock.
The first day of the opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel. Fantastic new service for commuters . pic.twitter.com/yNcPqsbWS4
— Shane Ross (@Shane_RossTD) November 21, 2016
Seven trains will service the route in the morning and 8 in the evening.
Welcoming the new service, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD said: "The Phoenix Part tunnel line is a vital part of our rail infrastructure and I know that it will prove to be of immense benefit to the travelling public."
Five things you did not know about the Phoenix Park Tunnel:
The full line from Islandbridge to Glasnevin Junction is 2.75 miles long, and after the tunnel section continues through Cabra before joining the Maynooth line at Glasnevin Junction.
The line and tunnel were opened in 1877.
The line in recent years has been used for freight services, and special trains for events like matches, concerts and charters.
Commuter services have never operated through the tunnel in the modern era due to capacity constraints at Connolly Station, which have been addressed by recent resignalling works.
The line has occasionally been used for scheduled Intercity services, most recently two Sunday services from Limerick and Galway which operated between 1998 and 2001.
