Major road works on the N7 in Kildare could be completed by April, bringing months of heartache for motorists to an end.
Commuters on one of Ireland’s busiest motorways have been dealing with congestion and gridlock since work on the project began at the beginning of last year.
The project will see the road widened from two lanes to three – and it was widely thought it would not be completed until early 2020.
April completion
However, Niall Morrissey Director of Services with Kildare County Council said that date was for the scheme as whole – which also includes the new Sallins bypass, the replacement and relocation at junction 10 and the construction of a new interchange at Osberstown.
“The completion date is next April for the widening of the N7 which is probably the most critical piece of infrastructure for commuters,” he said.
“The Sallins bypass which is also part of that contract will be due for completion then at the end of this year.
“The N7 widening – which is almost 14km long – is due for completion in April.”
Speed limits
The N7 works have seen the speed limit cut to 60kph – with around 70,000 people affected every day.
The congestion has seen commuters dealing with delays of up to two hours during busy periods.
Mr Morrissey said certain speed restrictions may remain in place while work on the Sallins bypass is ongoing.
“That judgement call will be made as we come nearer to April in terms of what kind of speed restrictions are required and on what portions of the road,” he said.
“But, at the moment, contractually the scheme is due to be finished in April so we would be hoping that it will be back up in terms of the speed limits at that stage.”