Limerick Citys long-awaited South Circular Road Active Travel Route which will link a number of existing routes in southwest suburbs to the city centre is now under construction.The project was approved by a majority of councillors after a section of cycle path was removed from the plans and replaced with filtered permeability. The 2.5km route will link Dooradoyle over the N18 dual carriageway to Limerick City via the South Circular Road, linking a number of schools along the route. The project follows the Dutch concept of using a mix of two-way cycle paths and low-traffic street designs local access will be maintained, but through traffic is to be restricted.The route was originally planned as an active travel project under the Smarter Travel brand of projects around 2015, but was not advanced until years later, and eventually approved in 2023 after a majority of councillors voted to amend the project to remove a section of cycle path to replace it with filtered permeability.The redesign idea was developed by council officials after some councillors insisted on retaining a length of car parking. Automated bollards will now control access to the area where the parking is to be maintained; limiting through traffic is planned to allow for a low-traffic route for two-way cycling. Limerick City and County Council said: Active Travel infrastructure is delivered through individual schemes that together will create a connected network. The South Circular Road Active Travel Scheme is a key link in the strategic corridor connecting the communities of Dooradoyle and Raheen with Limerick City Centre.The scheme builds on completed active travel infrastructure on Father Russell Road, St. Nessans Road and the R510 corridor, with another link between St Pauls and Ballykeeffe roundabouts currently under construction. Through connections via Baggot Estate, Childers Road and Hyde Road, the wider network also provides links towards the University of Limerick, Colbert Station and other key destinations across the city, the council said.The council said that construction will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption where possible. Initial works have started at two locations at South Circular Road between Fennessys and Scoil Mhthair D, and on Henry Street between its junctions with St Alphonsus Street and OCurry Street.The contractors have started works at the Ballinacurra Road junction and at Fennessys Roundabout. The council is encouraging anybody who wants to keep updated to sign up to the construction email newsletter.IMAGES: Construction works have started (Photos: Limerick City and County Council).