N4 Lucan Bypass Upgrade Scheme-Progress Report

PROGRESS REPORT - February 2008

N4 Lucan Bypass Upgrade Scheme

General

The N4 Lucan Bypass Upgrade Scheme will provide an online improvement and widening of the existing N4 dual two-lane carriageway from the Kildare County Boundary west of the Leixlip junction in County Dublin to the M50 at the eastern end.

The extent of the scheme is approximately 7 kilometres in length, and is an online improvement on a section of the N4 road that has a significant morning and evening peak traffic flow.

By the end of 2009 there will be

                    A widened and improved road from 2 lane dual carriageway with hard shoulder to 3 lane dual carriageway with bus lanes;

                    A grade separated Newcastle Road junction with the N4 ;

                    New Footbridges, Cycle Tracks and bus lanes;

                    Closure of Esker Lane

The scheme is being managed by South Dublin County Council for the National Roads Authority (NRA)

The scheme is funded by the NRA under the National Development Plan and Transport 21.

The Scheme Contractor is Jons Civil Engineering Co. Ltd

Traffic management

        Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction.

        Reduced speed limits will apply for the duration of these works

        Lane reductions may be necessary during night time hours.

        From Jan 2008 there will be a vehicle recovery service available for the duration of the N4 Upgrade Works

Update on Work

Works commenced on the Scheme in September 2007 with the removal of trees and shrubs and relocation of services off the main carriageway.

Work is progressing well and is on schedule.

The works have been divided into 5 phases for construction purposes. (see map).

Phases 1 and 2 have already commenced and Phases 3, 4 and 5 will occur later on in the programme and updates will be provided during the course of the works.

Phases 1 and 2 Leixlip Interchange to Newcastle Road Junction

The new N4 road through the junction will be approximately 6m below the existing road. A new over-bridge will be constructed between the Newcastle and Adamstown roads.

The first interface with traffic commenced on 29 Jan 2008 to facilitate the construction of the new slip roads at Newcastle Road Junction and the replacement of the grass median with two new traffic lanes.

This involved:

        Reduction to two traffic lanes in each direction.

        Closure of the hard shoulder/bus lanes from Leixlip Interchange

        No left turn for city bound HGVs into Adamstown Road from N4

        Reduction in speed limits to 60kph.

        Works at Crowes Corner Bridge and Tandys Lane Footbridge.

Further traffic management updates will be provided during the course of the works

Traffic impact during construction is unavoidable.

Please drive carefully, follow diversion signs and adhere to speed limits.