TII Motorway Service Areas (MSA) Progress Thread

BluntGuy · 11-12-2008 7:35pm #1

I think it's about time this issue had its own dedicated thread where updates can be provided on the situation with MSAs (Motorway Service Areas)...

As of this month, we have 435 km of motorway. By this time in 2010, that will have increased to over 800 km (nearly triple what it was two years ago).

The NRA have plans to create 12 service areas (you can view their map in the attachment):

1) M1 - South of Balbriggan
2) M1 - South of Dundalk
3) M4 - West of Enfield
4) M6 - Near Athlone
5) M6 - Rathmorrisey Interchange
6) M7 - Near Mountrath
7) M7 - East of Nenagh
8) M8 - North of Cashel
9) M8 - Near Kilworth
10) M9 - Near Kilcullen
11) M9 - Near Bagenalstown
12) M11 - Between Arklow and Gorey

They are planning an additional one for the M3.

When the M18 and M20 are (eventually) finished it is reasonable to expect one MSA on each of them.

CURRENT STAGE:

EIS Plans have been drawn up for:

1) M1 Southern MSA
2) M1 Northern MSA
3) M4 MSA
4) M6 Athlone MSA
5) M9 Kilcullen MSA (Just released)
6) M11 Gorey MSA

The EIS plans for the other 6 areas I have been told will be published over the coming 2-3 months.

The following are at tender stage:
1) M1 Southern MSA
2) M1 Northern MSA
3) M4 MSA

According to the NRA/EIS plans:

> Each service area takes 12 - 18 months to construct...
> The service areas are expected to be operational by the end of 2010...

> The facilities in each service area will be (but are not limited to):

Parking (seperate parking for HGVs)
Fuel Facilities
Convenience Shop
Picnic Areas
Toilets
Restraunt(s)
Seating Areas
Showers
Information Kiosk
Children's Play Area
Telephone Facilities

Please post any updates on the MSAs in this thread...

serfboard · 12-12-2008 2:46pm

BluntGuy wrote: »

The NRA have plans to create 12 service areas (you can view their map in the attachment):

1) M1 - South of Balbriggan
2) M1 - South of Dundalk
3) M4 - West of Enfield
4) M6 - Near Athlone
5) M6 - Rathmorrisey Interchange
6) M7 - Near Mountrath
7) M7 - East of Nenagh
8) M8 - South of Cashel
9) M8 - Near Kilworth
10) M9 - Near Kilcullen
11) M9 - Near Bagenalstown
12) M11 - Between Arklow and Gorey

They are planning an additional one for the M3.

When the M18 and M20 are (eventually) finished it is reasonable to expect one MSA on each of them.

First off, thanks for the thread.

Second, I don't know if there was any discussion about where these are located before, and I don't know if you welcome any now, but here's my ¢0.02 anyway.

If you're traveling from Dublin and you're going:

- North, you're first stop is in Co. Dublin (and you're hardly gone up the road).
- West or to Waterford you get to stop in Kildare (OK, Enfield is technically in Meath, but it's as near as makes no difference, and it's still in the GDA).
- South-West or Mid-West you have to wait until you're in deepest, darkest Laois before you get a stop.
- South, you're in your final county destination before you get a stop here.

Does this not seem like inconsistent planning by the NRA? (Or, has this all been discussed before?)

BluntGuy · 12-12-2008 8:28pm

serfboard wrote: »

First off, thanks for the thread.

Second, I don't know if there was any discussion about where these are located before, and I don't know if you welcome any now, but here's my ¢0.02 anyway.

If you're traveling from Dublin and you're going:

- North, you're first stop is in Co. Dublin (and you're hardly gone up the road).
- West or to Waterford you get to stop in Kildare (OK, Enfield is technically in Meath, but it's as near as makes no difference, and it's still in the GDA).
- South-West or Mid-West you have to wait until you're in deepest, darkest Laois before you get a stop.
- South, you're in your final county destination before you get a stop here.

Does this not seem like inconsistent planning by the NRA? (Or, has this all been discussed before?)

Well, I wouldn't have had some of the MSAs located where they are:

M8 - Cashel - far too close to the other one - it should be nearer to Urlingford.

M9 - Kilcullen - poor location IMO. Move it onto the M7 just after the M7/M9 junction.

M6 - Rathmorrissey Junction - Just... no. It's already a stupid junction, I don't see why they need to tack an MSA onto it.

However, I can see the justification for the rest of the MSA locations.

Declan30 · 13-12-2008 3:33pm

M7 one at Mountrath is perfect if you are travelling limerick to dublin.U would have over just and hour each way of your journey left.

The nenagh one would be suitable for the Noth cork Kerry area travelling the M7.

If any of these rest areas are built before 2015 will be a huge surprise give the even bigger department cuts the goverment will have to do next year.

BluntGuy · 13-12-2008 3:40pm

Declan30 wrote: »

M7 one at Mountrath is perfect if you are travelling limerick to dublin.U would have over just and hour each way of your journey left.

The Mountrath one is by far the most sensible location for an MSA and I think the most necessary. It serves the M7 and M8 route. In other words, all the Dublin-Limerick and Dublin-Cork traffic.

Declan30 wrote:

If any of these rest areas are built before 2015 will be a huge surprise give the even bigger department cuts the goverment will have to do next year.

The budget actually shouldn't affect the MSAs too much. After the NRA produce the EIS, get planning permission and aquire the land, they pay no other costs. The MSAs are PPP schemes. The concessionaire builds and maintains the MSA and then keeps the profits for the duration of the contractual period.

That said, it is very unlikely we'll see all twelve done by the end of 2010. Maybe one or two of them...

spacetweek · 13-12-2008 5:21pm

BluntGuy wrote: »

That said, it is very unlikely we'll see all twelve done by the end of 2010. Maybe one or two of them...

I'm not convinced there'd even be a need for 12 so soon anyway. It will take a long time for most of our completed network to fill. Most areas will be very quiet at first.

I'm just wondering where you got your 435km figure from? Did you make a list? I get 441km from the list at the bottom of this page.

BluntGuy · 13-12-2008 5:26pm

spacetweek wrote: »

I'm not convinced there'd even be a need for 12 so soon anyway. It will take a long time for most of our completed network to fill. Most areas will be very quiet at first.

I'm just wondering where you got your 435km figure from? Did you make a list? I get 441km from the list at the bottom of this page.

M6 - 57.5 km
M8 - 102 km
M7 - 63 km
M9 - 24.5 km
M50 - 45 km
M1 - 80 km
M11 - 8 km
M4 - 55 km

dcr22B · 15-12-2008 5:25pm

M1 Service area (Applegreen M1) now open. Good facility it has to be said.

Amtmann · 15-12-2008 5:30pm

dcr22B wrote: »

M1 Service area (Applegreen M1) now open. Good facility it has to be said.

I think that's a private service area, not an NRA one. Thanks for the update though.

BluntGuy · 15-12-2008 5:49pm

Furet wrote: »

I think that's a private service area, not an NRA one. Thanks for the update though.

Is it the M1 Business Park...

I thought that was an MSA too, however, I quickly learned that it wasn't...

nordydan · 15-12-2008 5:51pm

Yeah used it twice, beats the one in Carlingford hands down...

Declan30 · 16-12-2008 12:17am

Havent travelled the M1 in over a year and a half now. what is the service area like.
Is their space for trucks and buses to pull in.
Hearing about some of these MSA.They seem a little small and only a few trucks at a time can park there.
Given the amount of trucks on our road these day seems odd to me.

BluntGuy · 29-01-2009 8:38pm

Not much of an update, but I guess I should just inform you that the NRA told me a few weeks ago that six of the twelve service stations will be operational by the end of 2010.

They also informed me that the remaining MSA applications will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála by the end of March.

However, I've seen no new MSA EIS plans on the NRA website this month.

BluntGuy · 30-01-2009 4:04pm

A little bit of actual news for you:

At this stage we all know that Tranche 1 of the MSA program consists of:

M1 - Dundalk
M1 - Balbriggan
M4 - Enfield

Well, I've just discovered the NRA's Tranche 2:

M7 - Nenagh
M8 - Cashel
M9 - Kilcullen

http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=DEC110840

M8 - http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN111651

M7 - http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN111650

M9 - http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN111649

So that's it. Those are the six MSAs the NRA intends to open within the immediate future.

So what do I think of their choices?

Simply put:

awful.

Where is the M6 Athlone one? Why is the M9 Kilcullen one, an MSA that should be on the M7 being built before the M9 Carlow one? I would've taken the M8 Kilworth over M8 Cashel, especially considering the lunacy with Topaz/McDonalds that's going on there now. Why isn't M7 Mountrath being built over M7 Nenagh? The Mountrath one would cover both M8 and M7 traffic and it is perfectly situated in the middle of both the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick routes.

Eugh... I can't even be bothered to go into this any further. Poor decision making yet again...

Amtmann · 30-01-2009 6:12pm

I note that once the contract is awarded the construction company has 14 months to complete the works.

So, assuming the EIS for tranche 2 appear in February, how long before Bórd Pleanála deliver a "ya" or "nay"?

And what about tranche 1? Have they received planning approval? Has construction started?

BluntGuy · 30-01-2009 6:25pm

The NRA first advertised for tenders for Tranche 1 in mid 2007.

A contract notice was placed in the OJEC on the 1st May 2007 seeking Request to Participate submissions from interested candidates for Tranche 1 Service Areas on the National Roads Network.

According to this: http://www.sbpost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=IRELAND-qqqm=nav-qqqid=38908-qqqx=1.asp

Planning permission was granted for the M4 MSAs, but is still due on the M1 ones.

So now we're in 2009 and they still haven't awarded the contracts. The contracts are due to be awarded this year:

The Authority received the Stage One submissions from Participants on 28th October 2008. The next steps will be to shortlist the Participants further and proceed to Stage Two submissions and ultimately to contract award in 2009.

So those ones will be opening mid-late 2010 at the earliest.

I'm afraid if the other MSA schemes face a similar timescale then we're looking at 2011/2012 and beyond.

Half the fuss with the Tranche 1 was to do with planning permission however, and the NRA did say they were trying to fastrack the other MSAs through the planning process.

Still, it's hard to see construction beginning on any of the tranche 2 MSAs until late 2010 at the very earliest, let alone the rest of them...

Btw, I mentioned on the other threads that the NRA's promises would gradually keep dwindling away... I was correct.

First it was 2009, then it was 2010, then it was "on all the MIUs by 2010", then it was "six operational by 2010", and now it's "three in 2010, the rest in 2011"...

Basically, it's whenever they feel like it.

Amtmann · 10-02-2009 7:03pm

Did anyone read today's Irish Independent? There was supposed to be an NRA ad in it about the Cashel Service Area EIS...I seldom buy a paper so I didn't get a chance to check. The EIS still isn't up on the NRA website though.

KevR · 11-02-2009 1:37am

Furet wrote: »

Did anyone read today's Irish Independent? There was supposed to be an NRA ad in it about the Cashel Service Area EIS...I seldom buy a paper so I didn't get a chance to check. The EIS still isn't up on the NRA website though.

There are two adverts in it - one on page 54 and the other on page 55 (of the metro version).

The first section of both adverts contains details of the service area and both adverts contain a map.

The second part of the advert on page 54 informs people of where they can obtain a copy of the scheme and where they can inspect a map. It also explains how people can object to it.

The second part of the ad on page 55 contains details of how people can obtain a copy of the environmental impact statement and how they can make submissions about the likely effects on the environment caused by the service area.

PS - You have a PM.

BluntGuy · 13-02-2009 5:43pm

M8 Cashel EIS is now up on the NRA website...

Links:

Non-Technical Summary - A general overview
http://www.nra.ie/Publications/EISPublications/file,16002,en.pdf

Main Report - Detailed account of findings/considerations
http://www.nra.ie/Publications/EISPublications/file,16003,en.pdf

Drawings -

http://www.nra.ie/Publications/EISPublications/file,16006,en.pdf

http://www.nra.ie/Publications/EISPublications/file,16007,en.pdf

Appendices:

http://www.nra.ie/Publications/EISPublications/file,16005,en.pdf

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 6:23pm

Interesting to note that the AADT between junction 7 and 6 is almost 19,000 whereas it's only 15,500 between junctions 9 and 10. It's very noticable when you drive it, though I've never seen the numbers quantified before.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 6:31pm

The construction of the M8 Cashel Service Area requires an overbridge over the M8
motorway to allow access to and from the northbound carriageway.
The bridge could be either a two or three span structure. A two span structure would
require a pier to be constructed in the median of the existing M8. This would require
the M8 to be widened locally to allow a widened median to facilitate the pier and
associated safety barriers. The construction of the widened median would result in
significant disruption to traffic on the M8 and is therefore not a favourable option. It
is therefore recommended that a three span structure is provided with piers located
west of the verge of the northbound carriageway and diverge, and east of the verge of
the southbound carriageway where the existing lay by shall be removed. Bankseats
will be provided at the top of the embankments. This will result in a main span of
27m and side span of 12m. The structural form of the bridge would more than likely
consist of precast pretensioned concrete U beams with a composite in-situ reinforced
concrete deck slab supported by integral twin concrete circular piers and bankseat
abutments. Foundations would most likely be concrete pads for both piers and
bankseats depending on ground conditions. The exact structural from will be
determined at detailed design stage.

So, no major disruption to traffic. Good!

Chris_533976 · 13-02-2009 6:38pm

Ridiculous crap that they have to widen it.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 6:48pm

Chris_533976 wrote: »

Ridiculous crap that they have to widen it.

No, they're opting for the three span option where no pillar will be constructed on the mainline.

Overbridge
An overbridge over the dual carriageway will be provided at chainage 5+010m to
provide access to and from the southbound carriageway.
The construction of the overbridge will involve excavation in the verges of the M8 to
allow the construction of pier foundations; the construction of bankseat abutments
and embankments. Precast beams will be manufactured off site and delivered to site
for lifting into position on to the bankseats and crosshead beams. Lifting of the main
span beams will involve temporary total closure of the M8 for a short period. This is
estimated to occur over one or two nights. Side span beams may be placed into
position from the adjacent embankments. With the precast beams in place, in-situ
concrete diaphragms will be cast forming the integral deck/pier and deck/bankseat
connections. Permanent formwork will be erected on the beams and the composite
deck slab will be cast. Backfilling behind the abutments will be completed, and the
bridge will be finished with deck waterproofing, drainage, service ducts, public
lighting, parapets and surfacing.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 6:57pm

However,

All haulage of plant and materials to and from the construction site will be made from the M8 motorway with the exception of construction traffic associated with the construction of the watermain connection and other utilities. Construction traffic may be permitted to use the L5403 Road in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the Local Authority. Initially, suitable traffic management arrangements will have to be implemented to permit the safe use of a temporary access from the edge of the M8 motorway and to separate traffic from the general public. These traffic management measures will need to be in place for the duration of the works on the construction site of the service area.
**
A construction management plan will be developed by the Contractor(s) prior to the commencement of work on site. The plan will be formulated in consultation with South Tipperary County Council, the National Roads Authority and An Garda Siochána. This plan will cover issues such as agreement of haul routes, relevant construction traffic management measures and monitoring measures. The plan will take cognisance of all road users particularly those who are vulnerable or impaired.

BluntGuy · 13-02-2009 9:40pm

Okay, I had some time to read this thoroughly, and compile a "summary" of sorts of the most interesting/notable points:

Construction works are currently planned to commence in late 2009.

lol

The overall distance between Dublin (N7/M50 Interchange) and Cork (Dunkettle Interchange) is approximately 240km. *

* When the M7/M8 is completed.

Due to the presence of several existing service stations on the N7 between Dublin and Naas, it was considered that the service and rest needs of drivers on this section of road were adequately served by the existing on-line facilities, and accordingly this section of route was not considered for provision of a service area with respect to the
M7/M8 corridor.

It should be noted that the provision of access to the site
would require the removal of existing lay-bys on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the mainline M8 Motorway.

So how many people will use the MSA?

... a rate of 12% of the mainline AADT for both light and
heavy commercial vehicles was derived, based on the findings of the TRL assessment

Basically 12% of the mainline AADT will use it.

In 2010 (is it opening then?), they predict 14,624 AADT. So, the throughput will be 1,755.

In 2025, they predict over 18,000 AADT.

With regard to motorway redesignations, I noticed how the NRA are already referring to J19 and J18 as "M8" junctions.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 9:48pm

BluntGuy, where are you getting those AADT figures from? According to page 33 of this AADT for the area is 19,000.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 9:57pm

Oops, my bad. Those figures are for 15 years into the future apparently.

BluntGuy · 13-02-2009 10:07pm

Yeah, I was sure when I read it it said something like 18,800 or 18,900 or something to that effect.

Anyway, the MSA looks to be viable. 1,700 AADT throughput. Say the average number of adult, paying occupents per car is between 1 and 3. That should give the contractor sufficient business.

I don't know about this though. Does the EIS take into account the Topaz/McDonalds development? I don't think it does.

Amtmann · 13-02-2009 10:26pm

BluntGuy wrote: »

Yeah, I was sure when I read it it said something like 18,800 or 18,900 or something to that effect.

Anyway, the MSA looks to be viable. 1,700 AADT throughput. Say the average number of adult, paying occupents per car is between 1 and 3. That should give the contractor sufficient business.

I don't know about this though. Does the EIS take into account the Topaz/McDonalds development? I don't think it does.

Probably not...but the bit between Junction 7 and Junction 6 is substantially busier than the Cashel Bypass AADT-wise. That catches the Dublin to Cork traffic AND the Thurles to Cashel traffic, of which there's quite a bit. I think it's a good location. But the M8 is a very variable road: sometimes it's dead, and other times it's seriously busy. I think whoever runs it will make a nice packet on it, Topaz or not.

Prospects for the Kilworth SA? I've written a little about it on the M-F thread. EIS due in March?

BluntGuy · 23-02-2009 3:04am

A semi-update:

The NRA have tendered for ground investigations at the M8 and M9 MSAs:

http://www.e-tenders.gov.ie/Search/Show/Search_View.aspx?id=FEB114415

http://www.e-tenders.gov.ie/Search/Show/Search_View.aspx?id=FEB114395

They are really rushing through this. Last time it took nearly a year between the initial publishing for tender and the publishing for tender of the ground investigations.

Amtmann · 29-08-2009 12:01pm

Rest-stop concerns as 300km of road are designated motorway

A LACK of rest-stops on some 300km of newly-designated motorway was criticised yesterday as posing a major safety hazard.Sections of 10 national roads were yesterday redesignated as motorway, giving them a new speed limit of 120km/h and prohibiting learner drivers and pedestrians from using them.
Irish motorways do not yet have any service stops as in other European countries. These were essential from a safety point of view, said Automobile Association policy adviser Conor Faughnan.
“One of the major hazards on motorways is that drivers are prone to fatigue. Doing long miles on high-quality roads means that drivers are vulnerable to micro-sleep and drifting across lanes.”
However, a National Roads Authority (NRA) spokeswoman said if people were tired there were offramps into towns and villages until the service station programme was in place.
The NRA has planned over a dozen service stations on the entire motorway network. The contract for six service stations on the M1 and M4 is expected to be signed in the next few weeks. However, a tender has not yet been advertised for service stations on the remainder of the network.
Not all of the new motorway signage and road furniture were installed on the newly-classified roads yesterday.
In Co Clare, conflicting speed limit signs just yards from each other on a motorway slip-road left motorists confused. At least one 100km/h sign remained in place on the motorway between Ennis and Clarecastle, with no 120km/h sign to be found on the motorway except on two slip-roads.
The NRA said it was not possible to erect all the signs in time for the upgrade, and it hoped to have all signs up by today.
Concerns have been raised in Clare about the suitability of the Ennis bypass offramps for motorway classification. The NRA yesterday said safety checks had been carried out and the ramps complied with standards.
Learner drivers, cyclists and slow-moving tractors will have to seek new routes because they are not allowed on motorways.
With driving test waiting lists down to eight or nine weeks, “there is no reason why a learner driver should be allowed to use the motorway”, Mr Faughnan said.
Among the sections of road reclassified are: 13km of the N2 (Killshane-Ashbourne); 7km of the N4 (Kinnegad-McNead’s Bridge); 20km of the N6 (Athlone-Ballinasloe); 8.5km of the Limerick Southern Ring; 7km of the N8 (Watergrasshill-Glanmire) and the Glanmire bypass (6.3km); three sections of the N11 (including 8km from Ashford-Rathnew, 21km from Arklow-Gorey and 7km of the Arklow bypass); 2.1km of the N3 (Littlepace to Loughsallagh); two sections of the N18 (Shannon to Ennis 8.3km; Ennis bypass 12.5km); and 5km of the N20/N21 (Limerick to Attyflin).

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0829/1224253464457.html

BluntGuy · 29-08-2009 9:56pm

While I'm glad this was highlighted, there's some erroneous facts in it:

The contract for six service stations on the M1 and M4 is expected to be signed in the next few weeks.

That is very misleading. There are three service stations planned, however, two or three of them, AFAIR, will have services on each side of the motorway.

The NRA said it was not possible to erect all the signs in time for the upgrade, and it hoped to have all signs up by today.

I think it's only a few speed limit signs. Still not an excuse however, considering they had two bloody months to do it.

BluntGuy · 03-09-2009 3:18am

The provision of motorway service stations moved a step closer last week when the National Roads Authority (NRA) confirmed its preferred bidder - just two years after the tender process began.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The NRA has given the green light to the Superstop consortium - comprising Tedcastle Oil, which operates the Top brand; Petrogas, which runs the Applegreen chain of petrol stations; and Pierse Contracting - as the preferred bidder.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Four of the service stations will be located on the M1 motorway linking Dublin and Belfast, with two on the M4, which links the capital to the west of Ireland.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Superstop will be responsible for the design, construction, operation and financing of the service stations under a public-private partnership with the NRA.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The stations will comprise filling stations, restaurants, shops and HGV parking.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

[/FONT]

http://hgvireland.com/news09a/09hgv376.html

Looks like this may be happening fairly soon, which is good news. I still don't agree with this selection for a first tranche, but it's better than nothing.

The "six" stations myth needs to end though. It's three stations with facilities on either side of the motorway.

Another article - according to this, the contract award announcement will be made at the end of the month.

The first motorway service area (MSA) operator contracts will be awarded soon by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in Ireland.
Tenders were originally advertised over two years ago by the NRA to contruct and operate the first MSA's in Ireland for the growing and new motorways developed in recent years. Biidders were made up of Petrogas (Applegreen brand) , Sweeney Oil (Esso Brand), Tedcastles (Top Brand), Topaz Energy and Welcome Break (UK MSA Brand). Significant by their absence was the Maxol oil company and brand who continue to loose market share in their only market place they operate in.

The NRA will officially announce the contract award by the end of September. It is understood by PetrolWorld that the MSA contract will be awarded to the "Superstop" bid which is a partnerhsip between Petrogas, Tedcastles and Pierse Contracting. The initial deal will be for 4 MSA's to be built on the M1 motorway which links Belfast to Dublin and 2 MSA's on the M4 whcih links Dublin with Galway in the West of Ireland.

The motorway service areas will consist of fueling service station , Restaurant and food services, shops and special areas for HGV's. No hotels or facilites for alternative fuels are known to be included in the plans. Other motorways that require MSA's include the Dublin/Cork and Dublin/Rosslare whcih both have small sections that remain under construction.

http://www.petrolworld.com/europe-headlines/ireland-motorway-service-area-operator-contract-appintment.html

netwhizkid · 07-09-2009 11:29pm

They really need to get service areas on the M8, I drove it almost two weeks ago to Dublin for the All-Ireland semi-final and half way up around Junction 6, I was running low on Petrol (I was reckoning I'd make it to Abbeyleix or Durrow on the N8 stretch that is not Motorway) as I had forgot to get fuel the day before but had about a third of a tank setting off from Kerry and with it being 7am on a Sunday morning nowhere was open before hitting the Motorway at the Dunkettle Roundabout.

I saw a nice looking sign with a Restaurant and Fuel sign at junction 6 (Horse and Jockey as I since discovered) anyway there was no other sign on the offramp, and as It was only my 2nd time driving the M8 and am not too sure of the distances so decided to top-up to be doubly sure even though I had enough fuel to make the N8 on the old Cullahill stretch.

I then stupidly went the wrong way to Thurles as I had no modern accurate map (no maps up to date yet anyway) and because of a lack of signage on the offramp I headed for Thurles instead of the Horse and Jockey (never drove the old N8 as the N7 was quicker so did not know about Horse and Jockey) it cost me 20 mins in the Journey but gave my unknowing passengers a much needed rest also.

Bad signage and my own ignorance sent me as far as Thurles, we need Motorway service areas, on the way down then I was pretty wrecked (6am rise with 4 hours sleep and after driving up that morning) with my co-drivers on high octane stuff themselves:pac: I got stuck to drive again:eek:, and would have liked to stop off at services for a coffee and half hours rest. But I decided not to venture off the Motorway after my little expedition into the wilds of Tipperary that morning, I was tempted to pull into one of those lay-bys but figured I might get a ticket if I did from the Guards as I don't actually know what they are for? Are they for weary drivers or a place for the guards to pull you in for speeding etc?

They should roll out Service areas with 2 on the M8, I used the Cardiff services before of the M4 from London to Swansea (old ferry run) and it was ideal, if it was only your typical Centra, Topaz & Toilets with a few parking spaces it would be grand as you could refuel and rehydrate while taking a breather especially in such bad night time driving conditions as I encountered that evening (pelting rain and poor visibility).

Sponge Bob · 08-10-2009 9:17pm

1. Castlebellingham M1
2. Lusk M1
3. Enfield M4

Spin and waffle about 5000 jobs or something equally risible here.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1008/roads.html

I believe these are in addition to

A. Athlone M6
B. Cashel ? M8

Nowt on the entire M7 or M9 . NRA says that €45m is all they have in the kitty.

Amtmann · 08-10-2009 9:40pm

Sponge Bob's thread merged with this one.

L1011 · 08-10-2009 10:11pm

Sponge Bob wrote: »

I believe these are in addition to

A. Athlone M6
B. Cashel ? M8

If you could these, you need to count Balbriggan M1 and arguably Celbridge M4 also...

Sponge Bob · 08-10-2009 10:16pm

This is feckin ridiculous . There should be an MSA every 60km max on all Motorways , half an hours drive .

Motorways are very boring/tiring at night or in heavy rain and iffy bladders cannot be expected to last more than 30 mins either.

Yet the M1 will get 3 in less than 100km when it only needs one near Dublin and one around Castlebellingham

And what about that poxy M50 / M11 stretch with nowt ???

BluntGuy · 08-10-2009 10:53pm

The NRA's tranche one is an atrocious selection.

But at this stage, I welcome any progress on these.

L1011 · 09-10-2009 12:05am

Sponge Bob wrote: »

And what about that poxy M50 / M11 stretch with nowt ???

The N11 DC in between two of the three bits of M11 has two private service stations, one each side right opposite each other as is. They've likely suspected this will do as the M11 MSA is planned for Gorey. The M50 isn't going to get one I'd assume - traffic entering from the Airport by M1 has stations there, traffic entering from Dublin Port has a station there and most other traffic is locals who will know where there are stations.

BluntGuy · 09-10-2009 2:31am

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1009/1224256256507.html

A DEAL to provide the first of the Republic’s motorway service areas was signed yesterday between a Superstop consortium and the National Roads Authority (NRA).

The motorway service areas are to be provided at three locations on the M1 and M4 motorways by the end of next year – motorists on the State’s other new motorways to Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford will have to wait indefinitely for similar facilities.

The new motorway service areas, to be built by a public-private partnership at a cost of more than €100 million, are on the M1 at Castlebellingham, Co Louth, and at Lusk, Co Dublin; and on the M4 at Enfield on the Meath/Kildare border. The NRA will provide €47 million in finance and the land, said to be worth €20 million.

Because of the provision of service areas on both sides of the motorways in the three locations concerned, six facilities are to be built.

The service areas will include shops, fuel pumps, parking areas for lorries, restaurants and hot showers. Construction is expected to begin this month and to be completed by the end of next year.

The service areas are to operate 24 hours a day. The Superstop concession is for 25 years, after which the service areas revert to the roads authority.

Some 500 jobs are to be created during the construction phase, with about half that number when the sites are operational, according to the roads authority.

Twelve locations along the network had been identified for service areas and the NRA was planning to have service areas on all inter-urban motorways by 2010. However, it is understood the authority has been told to halt the programme pending a better economic outlook.

A programme for the development of rest and toilet areas was also halted following advice that they could become locations for behaviour deemed anti-social.

Sponge Bob · 09-10-2009 8:10am

BluntGuy back in 2008 wrote: »

The NRA have plans to create 12 service areas (you can view their map in the attachment):

1) M1 - South of Balbriggan
2) M1 - South of Dundalk
3) M4 - West of Enfield
4) M6 - Near Athlone
5) M6 - Rathmorrisey Interchange
6) M7 - Near Mountrath
7) M7 - East of Nenagh
8) M8 - South of Cashel
9) M8 - Near Kilworth
10) M9 - Near Kilcullen
11) M9 - Near Bagenalstown
12) M11 - Between Arklow and Gorey

The following are at tender stage:
1) M1 Southern MSA
2) M1 Northern MSA
3) M4 MSA

Forget Athlone and the Whole of the M6 and M7 and M8 .

This is the lot for quite some time .

tallpaul04 · 09-10-2009 10:40am

I presume they are building 3 sevice areas, all built at a junction with a bridge so both lanes of traffic can access it? am I correct in thinking this?

Amtmann · 09-10-2009 11:11am

NRA Press Release:

M1 & M4 Motorway Service Areas Contract Awarded

The NRA is pleased to confirm that it has awarded today (8th October 2009) a Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract to design, build, finance, maintain and operate the first three motorway service areas in Ireland to the Superstop Consortium. The consortium consists of Applegreen (Retail Operator), TOP Oil (Fuel Operator) and Pierse Contracting (Design & Construction).
It is estimated that 500 jobs will be created during construction phase which begins this month and that around 250 full & part time jobs will be created when the new service areas open. Construction is expected to take just over a year with all three service areas anticipated to open before the end of next year.
The three service areas will operate 24 hours a day. Two will be located on the M1 – at Castlebellingham, Co. Louth and at Lusk, Co. Dublin – and one on the M4 at Enfield, Co. Kildare. Each of the service areas will provide facilities on either side of the motorway and at each location there will be a restaurant, convenience shop, toilet and shower facilities, fuel, and dedicated parking for HGV’s. Additionally, there will be child play areas, picnic areas and tourism information.
The contract with the Superstop Consortium is a 25 year concession agreement which includes the construction, maintenance and operation of the facilities. The NRA will make payments of €47 million to the consortium towards the construction of the facilities. The contract also provides for a sharing of the revenues generated from the service areas to go back to the state.
Fred Barry, CEO of NRA stated
“We are very pleased with this announcement today. These service areas will enhance the overall benefits of the new motorway network. There is an important driver safety element along with the convenience of amenities for all road users."
For further information contact: Sean O’ Neill
01-6658744
086-8230600

http://www.nra.ie/News/PressReleases/htmltext,16697,en.html

munchkin_utd · 09-10-2009 12:24pm

Furet wrote: »

Fred Barry, CEO of NRA stated
“We are very pleased with this announcement today. These service areas will enhance the overall benefits of the new motorway network. There is an important driver safety element along with the convenience of amenities for all road users."

But obviously the long stretch from Dublin to Cork OR Waterford OR Limerick is safety uncritical!

I soon can drive from the end of the Ballincollig bypass to North of Kells on Motorway (/very decent dual carraigeway), a distance of 320km, without a single designated service stop provided for rest/ toilet or refueling.

Actually, not even a properly signed existing petrol station is along the route to provide an alternative to the missing rest stops.

How long will it be before you have people pulling over at the side of the motorway on long journeys desperate to relieve themselves on the hard shoulder?
And how long will it be before people on the hard shoulder relieving themselves be killed.

In the UK 250 people a year are killed on hard shoulders, which is 12% of the total motorway fatalities. In Ireland we will have a worse % figure if it becomes the norm to use the hard shoulder as a toilet for the lack of any alternative.

Sponge Bob · 09-10-2009 12:28pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

But obviously the long stretch from Dublin to Cork OR Waterford OR Limerick is safety uncritical!

It further infers that only denizens of the Pale are entitled to a presumption of safety

In the UK 250 people a year are killed on hard shoulders, which is 12% of the total motorway fatalities. In Ireland we will have a worse % figure if it becomes the norm to use the hard shoulder as a toilet for the lack of any alternative.

Do you have link ....out of interest .

munchkin_utd · 09-10-2009 12:53pm

indeed!
heres the link to a british road safety website:
http://www.safermotoring.co.uk/SafetyOnHardShoulder.html

Irish and Proud · 09-10-2009 1:03pm

Furet wrote: »

NRA Press Release:

http://www.nra.ie/News/PressReleases/htmltext,16697,en.html

Hi, I'm an M1er myself, but I think it is ludicrous that the M1 (around 80k long) will get two full services areas, while the M8 will get none - like it's over 250km from Dublin to Cork. If money was tight, would it not make more sense to build one M1 service area at Gormanston's City North, One M6 service area East of Athlone, and one M7 facility at Portlaoise. The M11 will get one at Gorey if the Arklow to Rathnew contract goes ahead. The M9 and M18 motorways would still need attention, but at least more of our motorway network would be covered.

Regards!

BluntGuy · 09-10-2009 1:07pm

Well lads, which one of us will be up there grabbing photos of this?

Irish and Proud · 09-10-2009 1:12pm

BluntGuy wrote: »

Well lads, which one of us will be up there grabbing photos of this?

Oh, Oh, did I say I was an M1er, and me with no digital cam - better try and get the lend of someone elses!

:o:o

Regards!

L1011 · 09-10-2009 5:53pm

Using Ireland's only existing purpose built dual-carriageway services today (ex-Hamills, N4 Mullingar) made me wonder if the NRA have made sure that there are going to be minimum service levels and maintenance of facilities on their MSAs.

As far as I know this N4 one is Esso Ireland owned, and its an utter kip. The restaurant (still signed on the tower signs) was demolished some time ago and the tunnel between the sides is closed off - previously because the food was only on one side you could cross under. The toilet block on the Dublin bound side is closed off with an "out of use" (not even just out of order) sign on it, there's windows broken in the shop and the entrance slip was flooded!

If a private operator does that to something they own, I can't bear to think how they could treat something they have to give back at the end if not forced to keep it up properly.

TII Motorway Service Areas (MSA) Progress Thread

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