The objectives behind this high profile re-designation project are to enhance safety and operational efficiency of sections of existing high quality dual carriageway, and to shorten journey times by availing, as appropriate, of the design speed of 120 kph which applies to motorways. The re-designations will also serve to protect the routes against inappropriate development, including multiple access points, which would have road safety implications and affect efficiency and service life.
The sections of National Routes affected are:
N2 Dublin to Derry
Killshane to Ashbourne (open to traffic) 13 km
N3 Dublin to Cavan
Littlepace to Loughsallagh (under construction) 2.1 km
Loughsallagh to Pace (under construction) 2.3 km
N4 Dublin to Sligo
Kinnegad to McNead’s Bridge (open to traffic) 6.8 km
N6 Dublin to Galway
Athlone to Ballinasloe (Open to traffic) 20 km
Ballinasloe to Galway (under construction) 51 km
N7 Dublin to Limerick
Limerick Southern Ring Road (Phase 1) (open to traffic) 8.5 km
N7/N20 Rossbrien Interchange (under construction) 1.5 km
N8 Dublin to Cork
Watergrasshill to Glanmire (open to traffic) 7 km
Glanmire Bypass (open to traffic) 6.3 km
N9 Dublin to Waterford
Powerstown to Waterford (under construction) 64 km
N11 Dublin to Wexford
Ashford to Rathnew (open to traffic) 8 km
Arklow Bypass (open to traffic) 7 km
Arklow to Gorey (open to traffic) 21 km
N18 Oranmore to Limerick
Shannon to Ennis (open to traffic) 8.3 km
Ennis Bypass (open to traffic) 12.5 km
Gort to Crusheen (under construction) 22 km
Oranmore to Gort (in planning) 28 km
N20 Cork to Limerick
Limerick to Attyflin (N20/N21 Junction) (open to traffic) 5 km
The RPS Traffic Signs Team have been working closely with the NRA for the last 8 months in implementing this changeover, with the biggest challenge being to change the directional and regulatory road signs, including overhead gantry signs, to reflect motorway status.
RPS were responsible for the delivery of 18 separate re-signing packages, which included detailed design and construction supervision. The works were carried out under a very tight timescale, which commenced once the Minister signed the Re-designation Order on July 10th. Five signs installation Contractors and numerous other suppliers and sub-contractors were involved, which required significant co-ordination and supervision.
Contact:
Rowan O’Callaghan, Associate
T: +353 (0) 71 913 8909
E: rowan.ocallaghan@rpsgroup.com