M17/M18 - Gort to Tuam [open to traffic]

m17 · 22-09-2017 3:24pm

The coolough roundabout 22/09/17

kippy · 22-09-2017 3:50pm

m17 wrote: »

This is the last time we are going to hear this there is a 4km queue approaching clarinbridge on the n18 southbound,it's heavy on the n17 northbound approaching claregalway and there are major delays in tuam with tailbacks as far as the belclare turn off and starting next Thursday it will gridlocked at the coolough roundabout with tailbacks back as far as junction 19 m6 until 2024

I still reckon those queues will be there. Maybe not as long.

veryangryman · 22-09-2017 3:54pm

kippy wrote: »

I still reckon those queues will be there. Maybe not as long.

Can't see the queues shrinking much at all TBH. How much of that traffic is really not Galway city bound. Hospital, Uni and Westside will all continue to go through CG and Clarinbridge after expirementation. No real time saving for the extra distance so will go the shorter route.

Galway bypass the only show in town. Unfortunately theirs is the only city that isn't on a Motorway route between other cities/ports so will remain on the long finger.

Donegal Storm · 22-09-2017 4:28pm

Yeah I frequently drive down the N17 from Donegal to Rahoon, I'll give the new road a try but looking at distances I wouldn't be surprised if it'll actually take longer outside of rush hour. I know it was discussed to death on here before but its still really disappointing how far from the city the M6 junction is

marno21 · 22-09-2017 5:31pm

Couple of things.

1. Traffic in Clarinbridge is usually an issue outbound. There's no excuse for not using the new road outbound.
2. The lights in Claregalway will be reconfigured as the N18 is now the R381 and of little importance.
3. Jams in the evening will surely be less as there won't be congestion at the Coolagh roundabout due to the slip lane.

betistuc · 22-09-2017 9:27pm

marno21 wrote: »

Couple of things.

1. Traffic in Clarinbridge is usually an issue outbound. There's no excuse for not using the new road outbound.
2. The lights in Claregalway will be reconfigured as the N18 is now the R381 and of little importance.
3. Jams in the evening will surely be less as there won't be congestion at the Coolagh roundabout due to the slip lane.

That's three things

JCX BXC · 22-09-2017 11:05pm

marno21 wrote: »

Couple of things.

1. Traffic in Clarinbridge is usually an issue outbound. There's no excuse for not using the new road outbound.

Why isn't there? I'm undecided whether I'd rather use the M18 past Kilternan or just use the existing road. For oranmore it's a no brainer.

Traffic issues will be mainly gone in Clarinbridge (just avoid school times), however I'd strongly dispute the being no excuse for not using the new road.

marno21 · 23-09-2017 1:26am

JCX BXC wrote: »

Why isn't there? I'm undecided whether I'd rather use the M18 past Kilternan or just use the existing road. For oranmore it's a no brainer.

Traffic issues will be mainly gone in Clarinbridge (just avoid school times), however I'd strongly dispute the being no excuse for not using the new road.

Ok..

If you are using the N6 Bothar na dTreabh and you are at the Coolagh roundabout, you can take the left turn slip and head eastbound on the N6/M6 and turn right at Rathmorrissey for the M18. Direct, and would take approx 20 minutes to get to Gort.

Or you can brave it through the Oranmore roundabouts, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and the stretch of road in between. Possibility of trucks, tractors, cyclists all to slow you down. You also have to navigate the Coolagh roundabout directly.

Inbound, there will be traffic at the Coolagh roundabout alright. Outbound, it makes lots of sense to use the motorway.

flazio · 23-09-2017 11:16am

m17 wrote: »

The m18 1km form gort (12/11/10-21/09/17)22/09/17

Could someone explain to me why those towns are listed in that order? Firstly, the town you come into off that exit is Gort so shouldn't that be top of the sign? Secondly the turn off for the road to Scariff was back on the Ennis bypass wasn't it?

23-09-2017 12:28pm

m17 wrote: »

The coolough roundabout 22/09/17

Is that correct?
Surely it should be Galway city East, rather than West?
They have it correct in Irish.

Claregalway needs a rebranding - Claregalway is associated with traffic jams, Baile Chlair is an exotic new place...

marno21 · 23-09-2017 12:32pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Is that correct?
Surely it should be Galway city East, rather than West?
They have it correct in Irish.

Claregalway needs a rebranding - Claregalway is associated with traffic jams, Baile Chlair is an exotic new place...

Yes, it is indeed incorrect and should say Galway City (East).

Galway City (West) is signed via the N6/Bothar na dTreabh

Quackster · 23-09-2017 12:54pm

flazio wrote: »

Could someone explain to me why those towns are listed in that order? Firstly, the town you come into off that exit is Gort so shouldn't that be top of the sign? Secondly the turn off for the road to Scariff was back on the Ennis bypass wasn't it?

Route destination comes first. Then next town/village comes second. Any other towns/villages of significance are listed after.

m17 · 23-09-2017 1:36pm

The kilmore roundabout 23/09/17

start of the tuam bypass

the footbridge

marno21 · 23-09-2017 2:02pm

Quackster wrote: »

Route destination comes first. Then next town/village comes second. Any other towns/villages of significance are listed after.

This is correct. But in this instance the sign is wrong as below:

m17 wrote: »

The m18 2kms form gort heading northbound 22/09/17

It should be

R458 Gort
(R380) Loughrea
(R461) Scarriff
(R462) Tulla

Simply because Loughrea isn't a destination on the R458. It used be on the N66 which ran through Gort, but since the road through Gort will now be the R458, Gort is the primary destination.

m17 · 23-09-2017 2:24pm

RATHMORRISSY 01/04/16

01/09/17

peking97 · 23-09-2017 2:40pm

Deleted User wrote: »

They have it correct in Irish..

Don't think so....West should be Thiar and Thoir would be East...so wrong either way!.....but I'm no expert!

23-09-2017 3:00pm

m17 wrote: »

The kilmore roundabout 23/09/17

I like the way the roundabout is lined, to ensure left lane users turn left!
Pity they didn't do the same on the Rathmorrissy roundabout, it would reduce the instances of drivers crossing lanes just in front of an exit.

WestCoast2017 · 23-09-2017 3:04pm

I'm been lucking here for a while so just saying hi now and thanks for all the info over the last year or so.
I'll be using this new road frequently as I often drive from Cork to Sligo.
I'm delighted that its going to be open next week

Roll on the M20 Cork to Limerick!!!!!!

m17 · 23-09-2017 3:06pm

The last bridge on the m18 at rathmorrissy 16/06/16

04/09/17

m17 · 23-09-2017 3:12pm

WestCoast2017 wrote: »

I'm been lucking here for a while so just saying hi now and thanks for all the info over the last year or so.
I'll be using this new road frequently as I often drive from Cork to Sligo.
I'm delighted that its going to be open next week

Roll on the M20 Cork to Limerick!!!!!!

Can't wait for that to start I'll be there bring you the best pics and updates as its going to be 90kms

23-09-2017 4:22pm

peking97 wrote: »

Don't think so....West should be Thiar and Thoir would be East...so wrong either way!.....but I'm no expert!

Ha, I didn't spot the spelling mistake.
My brain saw the right letters and spelt it correctly.

m17 · 23-09-2017 9:16pm

The r347 tuam to athenry

the m17

form this to this in less then 92 hours roll on

EmptyTree · 23-09-2017 10:02pm

m17 wrote: »

Can't wait for that to start I'll be there bring you the best pics and updates as its going to be 90kms

The only thoughts more exciting than the M17 / M18 opening is this ^^^^ M17 becoming M20 and beinging updates on Cork - Limerick project. That's going to be a bruiser.

Middle Man · 23-09-2017 10:46pm

OSM updates now coming through in anticipation of Friday's opening!
Please remain zoomed in to see all the redesignated routes such as the N83 Galway to Tuam road -

"I wish I was on that N83, stone walls and grasses green..."

paul2013 · 23-09-2017 11:04pm

m17 wrote: »

The m18 1km form gort (12/11/10-21/09/17)22/09/17

Interesting that Corofin in Co Clare hasn't even been mentioned on those signposts as for Tulla and Scarriff is baffling as they have there own turn offs at Jctn 13 on the M18 there not even mentioned on the the sign across the road on the Southbound lanes. It should read Ardrahan and Gort and as for Bhaile Chlair on Jctn 19 on both the M6 and M17 , Claregalway has finally got the death nail like the rest of villages that old National roads used to pass through. I did emergency training on this road today and I found a big problem with it , you have to travel quite a bit to join the motorway to god forbid attend an RTC and the Galway Co. Council are seeking funding for increased stock supplies on the old N18, N17, N63, and N66

flazio · 24-09-2017 12:46am

Interesting that Sligo to Cork comes down this way because the way I'd do it is N4 as far as Edgeworthtown, N55 to Athlone, M6 to J5 Kilbeggan, N52 to Tullamore, N80 to Portlaoise, M7/8 to Cork

24-09-2017 12:51am

flazio wrote: »

Interesting that Sligo to Cork comes down this way because the way I'd do it is N4 as far as Edgeworthtown, N55 to Athlone, M6 to J5 Kilbeggan, N52 to Tullamore, N80 to Portlaoise, M7/8 to Cork

That may be a crappy route, but it sounds like the shortest one.

24-09-2017 12:54am

Anyone know if the R347 Athenry to Tuam is being changed from regional to local primary?

Also, if there an official list anywhere detailing all the road number and designation changes?

marno21 · 24-09-2017 12:55am

Deleted User wrote: »

That may be a crappy route, but it sounds like the shortest one.

Likely was in the past but not any more. Motorway/DC from Patrickswell to north of Tuam will be a major boost. All we need now is Patrickswell-Cork.

marno21 · 24-09-2017 12:58am

Deleted User wrote: »

Anyone know if the R347 Athenry to Tuam is being changed from regional to local primary?

Also, if there an official list anywhere detailing all the road number and designation changes?

No, it'll remain regional road for now.

Changes we know of so far:

N17 from N83 junction to Mountpotter roundabout north of Tuam: N83
N17 from N83 junction through Tuam: tbc
N17 from Kilmore roundabout (M17) to Bothar na dTreabh (N6): N83
N63 from Loughgeorge to M17 junction: R354
N18 from Claregalway to Oranmore (R446): R381
R446 from Oranmore to Doughiska: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Oranmore: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Gort: R458
N66 from Gort to Loughrea: R380

24-09-2017 1:08am

marno21 wrote: »

No, it'll remain regional road for now.

Cheers

OSM updates

N17 from N83 junction to Mountpotter roundabout north of Tuam: N83
N17 from Kilmore roundabout (M17) to Bothar na dTreabh (N6): N83
N63 from Loughgeorge to M17 junction: R354
N18 from Claregalway to Oranmore (R446): R381
R446 from Oranmore to Doughiska: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Oranmore: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Gort: R458
N66 from Gort to Loughrea: R380

Only one to be sorted is

N17 from N83 junction through Tuam: tbc

wotzgoingon · 24-09-2017 1:50am

Middle Man wrote: »

OSM updates now coming through in anticipation of Friday's opening!
Please remain zoomed in to see all the redesignated routes such as the N83 Galway to Tuam road -

"I wish I was on that N83, stone walls and grasses green..."

That's the first time I seen the new road laid out and it is far more twisty than I imaged it would be.

Middle Man · 24-09-2017 2:43am

wotzgoingon wrote: »

That's the first time I seen the new road laid out and it is far more twisty than I imaged it would be.

Yes, it is quite bendy for a major motorway, but I think the terrain was quite difficult to build through and they had to navigate around dispersed settlements.

AugustusMinimus · 24-09-2017 8:52am

The existing M18 is also quite a bendy motorway, especially between Ennis and Gort.

Delighted to see this scheme opening. A pity the M18 - M17 -M6 junction is such a monstrosity.

joeKel73 · 24-09-2017 9:36am

Middle Man wrote: »

OSM updates now coming through in anticipation of Friday's opening!

It'll be opening on Wednesday.

Garryowen Red · 24-09-2017 10:48am

Like I'm sure is the feeling among most, if not all, of the followers of this thread I'd like to thank m17 for his Trojan efforts in documenting this new motorway. Your effort was immense and is greatly appreciated.

marno21 · 24-09-2017 11:16am

Middle Man wrote: »

Yes, it is quite bendy for a major motorway, but I think the terrain was quite difficult to build through and they had to navigate around dispersed settlements.

Or to put it another way, they wanted to have cheaper land to CPO by avoiding the plethora of one off houses in the area.

In reality, they should've ploughed through them.

peking97 · 24-09-2017 12:08pm

J o e wrote: »

It'll be opening on Wednesday.

Anyone have the details of the opening ceremony? Where and what time does it take place and are the public admitted?

m17 · 24-09-2017 1:27pm

peking97 wrote: »

Anyone have the details of the opening ceremony? Where and what time does it take place and are the public admitted?

It's taking place at kiltiernan at 11am on Wednesday and then it will be 4pm when we are going to be on it can't wait

Middle Man · 24-09-2017 1:31pm

peking97 wrote: »

Anyone have the details of the opening ceremony? Where and what time does it take place and are the public admitted?

I'd bloody well hope the public are admitted - they're on public property and are paid by the public!

paul2013 · 24-09-2017 2:25pm

Here's a video of my friend Kieran did last week on the new M18 motorway

He's made me jealous and that's hard to do :eek:

m17 · 24-09-2017 4:55pm

All signs are now in place on the m17 23/09/17

m17 · 24-09-2017 5:36pm

Garryowen Red wrote: »

Like I'm sure is the feeling among most, if not all, of the followers of this thread I'd like to thank m17 for his Trojan efforts in documenting this new motorway. Your effort was immense and is greatly appreciated.

Cheers mate thanks for that,after cycling 8000kms,taking nearly 6000 pics over the past 32 months today was my last cycle on the motorway it time to put the bike and drone away I hope you have enjoyed the pics and updates as much as I have and a big thanks to you all yours m17

Kevwoody · 24-09-2017 5:54pm

m17 wrote: »

Cheers mate thanks for that,after cycling 8000kms,taking nearly 6000 pics over the past 32 months today was my last cycle on the motorway it time to put the bike and drone away I hope you have enjoyed the pics and updates as much as I have and a big thanks to you all yours m17

Were you down at the flyover for the Kinvarra to Ardrahan road today around 1.30 by any chance m17?

mackerski · 24-09-2017 5:58pm

I’m thinking the Tuam section of old N17 will be local road. More than one of the brand new signs pointing into town from the terminal roundabout fail to show any number. It’s not obvious that this section needs to be classified as regional.

When updating these roads on OSM I worked on that assumption, let’s see if any new information emerges.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Cheers

OSM updates

N17 from N83 junction to Mountpotter roundabout north of Tuam: N83
N17 from Kilmore roundabout (M17) to Bothar na dTreabh (N6): N83
N63 from Loughgeorge to M17 junction: R354
N18 from Claregalway to Oranmore (R446): R381
R446 from Oranmore to Doughiska: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Oranmore: N67
N18 from Kilcolgan to Gort: R458
N66 from Gort to Loughrea: R380

Only one to be sorted is

N17 from N83 junction through Tuam: tbc

m17 · 24-09-2017 7:40pm

End of the m17 at tuam 23/09/17

CrowdedHouse · 24-09-2017 7:55pm

I went over the bridge on the Ballygaddy road the other day, I'd say some cyclists might consider it a challenge but many more will curse it! It seemed very steep- were they scarce of space or what?

discodaveirl · 24-09-2017 10:55pm

m17 wrote: »

End of the m17 at tuam 23/09/17

Just wondering why they didnt put a slip land in there like the did at the begining of the m6 motorway. Actually wouldnt an exit and flyover have been a better end... Why do we always end motorways on a roundabout. I know there wont be tailbacks but at peak times it'll cause a slight delay?

TnxM17 · 24-09-2017 11:21pm

m17 wrote: »

Cheers mate thanks for that,after cycling 8000kms,taking nearly 6000 pics over the past 32 months today was my last cycle on the motorway it time to put the bike and drone away I hope you have enjoyed the pics and updates as much as I have and a big thanks to you all yours m17

Im a long time lurker of this thread.
I joined Boards this evening to say a special Thank You to M17 - the amount of work and effort you have put in to this thread is incredible and I am very grateful for it.

It was amazing to watch it go from a rough cut on some fields to the smooth motorway it is.
I took the oppurtunity of cycling it 2 weeks ago, so many places, like the house near Mahanagh or the overpasses near Corofin seemed so familiar because of your stellar work.

joedomvince · 24-09-2017 11:57pm

m17 wrote: »

The m18 2kms form gort heading northbound 22/09/171km500 metresgortgort looking towards Limerickgort looking towards rathmorrissythe roundabout

Great pics, thanks

M17/M18 - Gort to Tuam [open to traffic]

Comments