Three-year build target for Macroom bypass

THE new €214m N22 dual carriageway that will bypass Macroom and Ballyvourney will take three years to construct from 2020.

The scheme which includes 22kms of new road was approved by An Bord Pleanála seven years ago.

Construction will involve building an online roundabout outside Macroom at Coolcower along with five new offline roundabouts.

River bridges will be needed at the Sullane, Laney, Foherish and Bohill rivers along with a river diversion at Owengrave. There will be 24 farm over and underpasses.

Construction will include 18 local road bridges and road alignments. The bypass will run from Coolcower to the Kerry side of Ballyvourney.

The Kerry Slug will also be accommodated by the works. An advance environmental works contract is underway. This includes the creation of a suitable receiving environment for the long-term “translocation” of the slug as well as works to ensure the protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel which is present in the works area. This contract will be completed by August.

Three archaeological contracts along the route are to be completed in July and a site investigation to assess ground conditions has ended.

An investment of approximately €214m will be required to cover land costs, construction costs and all other costs.

A statement from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said works will take three years - in line with the beginning of the 2020 Capital Investment Programme.

“Given the scale of the works required and the nature of the ground conditions which will be encountered on site, a three-year construction period is anticipated for the main works. These main works are scheduled for a 2020 start in the Capital Investment Programme. However, construction start will be brought forward to 2019 if possible. Future progress updates will include updates under this heading.” Meanwhile, TII recently released funding for the resurfacing of the N22 between Millstreet Cross and Macroom and a formal decision was announced this week.

TD Aindrias Moynihan said the works will contribute significantly to road safety.

“I have been informed that Arkle [engineering] will start these works this coming Monday evening and it is expected that the total project will take four weeks from the time of commencement,” he said.

“These are important works that will enhance safety for motorists using the road. Following my requests, I have been informed that all of the works will take place at night to reduce disruption to people’s lives as much as possible.