M8 motorway (general thread)

Amtmann

Cashel to Mitchelstown is nearly complete; it will open in July 2008. The section between Cashel and Cahir opened last October, with green gantry signage and a limit of 100km/h. The remainder - from Cahir to outside Mitchelstown - is not yet open, but blue motorway signage has been erected. http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/SouthTipperaryCountyCouncil/N8CashelMitchelstown/Map,14567,en.pdf

The N8 Cashel Bypass which opened in 2004 is to be redesignated a motorway, according to the Department of Transport.

Cashel to Cullahill (see: http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/KilkennyCountyCouncil/M8N8CullahilltoCashel/Map,14614,en.pdf ), which is 40km in length, isn't due to open until June 2009. However, a reliable source has told me that it could well be open as soon as September 2008 - and then the entire length of it will be given motorway status, along with the aforementioned Cashel Bypass and the Cashel to Cahir section of the Cashel to Mitchelstown scheme.

Does anyone posting here know when the Cashel to Cullahill section will be open? Will it be 2009 or, as my source indicated, September 2008?

The final two stretches of the M8 are underway. These are:

1) Mitchelstown to Fermoy http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/CorkCountyCouncil/N8MitchelstownFermoy/Map,14457,en.pdf

2) Cullahill to Portlaoise http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/LaoisCountyCouncil/N8PortlaoisetoCullahillCastletown/Map,14618,en.pdf

Both of the above projects commensed in late 2007, and aren't due to be finished until 2010. However, given how rapidly the other schemes have progressed, I think it's fully reasonable to expect them to be finished by mid- to late 2009.

If anyone has any news or updates, please post here!

fitzgese

Yeah I also heard from someone working on the scheme that is should be ready by September or October, and will definitely be finished well ahead of the given Q2 2009 finish date.

Amtmann

With regard to classifying the N8 upgrades 'motorway', a very helpful person at the Department of Transport has informed me that the Minister received a number of objections to the proposed redesignation of HQDCs along the N/M8 route. The NRA was given an opportunity to reply to the objections, which it did. The objectors had until last Friday (June 20th) to respond to the NRA's assurances, and a number did.

So, the Minister will now assess the objectors' objections, and then will decide on the matter. Presumably the redesignations will go ahead ASAP.

fitzgese

Furet wrote: »

That's Cashel to Cullahill?

Sorry, yep Cashel to Cullahill

fitzgese

Not too sure about the Portlaoise to Cullahill section, it doesn't follow the old route so it's difficult to see going up and down to Dublin, but it will be tolled when it's done (€2 a go is the current estimate of how much it will cost, I think).

Will there the M7/8 intersection be built like the M7/9 one or will it be possible to use the motorway to go in the Cork-Limerick direction? If they allow this, are they going to build a proper free-flow interchange?

They've got the bridge over the carriageways now at the Northern end of the Cashel bypass finished. At the moment, when heading to Dublin, traffic is directed up the slip road to the roundabout at the Cashel side, and onto the old road. (It's going to be a dumbbell type interchange, with roundabouts at both sides of the bridge). The 4 merging slips also have been done (the ones onto the section of carriageway not yet open may need lines painted on them, I can't remember offhand) and if you are coming from Dublin, you are directed, from the old road, across the bridge and onto the Cashel bypass via the new slip road. It looks to be coming along fairly well. At least part of the surface on the new section of the road was tarmacked last time I was there, and lots of other sections of the road a visible on the way up to Dublin. I'll try and get some photos next time I head up to Dublin.

Amtmann

fitzgese wrote: »

Not too sure about the Portlaoise to Cullahill section, it doesn't follow the old route so it's difficult to see going up and down to Dublin, but it will be tolled when it's done (€2 a go is the current estimate of how much it will cost, I think).

Will there the M7/8 intersection be built like the M7/9 one or will it be possible to use the motorway to go in the Cork-Limerick direction? If they allow this, are they going to build a proper free-flow interchange?

They've got the bridge over the carriageways now at the Northern end of the Cashel bypass finished. At the moment, when heading to Dublin, traffic is directed up the slip road to the roundabout at the Cashel side, and onto the old road. (It's going to be a dumbbell type interchange, with roundabouts at both sides of the bridge). The 4 merging slips also have been done (the ones onto the section of carriageway not yet open may need lines painted on them, I can't remember offhand) and if you are coming from Dublin, you are directed, from the old road, across the bridge and onto the Cashel bypass via the new slip road. It looks to be coming along fairly well. At least part of the surface on the new section of the road was tarmacked last time I was there, and lots of other sections of the road a visible on the way up to Dublin. I'll try and get some photos next time I head up to Dublin.

That would be great, thanks.

Amtmann

I received the following email from South Tipp County Council today:

I refer to your email to Sean Carey in relation to the above and wish to comment as follows: -


It is hoped that the N8 Cashel / Mitchelstown Road Improvement Scheme between Cloughabreeda and Carrigane will be opened to traffic in the last week of July 2008. The initial speed limit on this section of road will be 100kph but will revert to 120kph when the road is declared a motorway, hopefully by the end of the year.


The green signage on the Cashel to Cahir road will be replaced by blue motorway signs before it is opened as a motorway and the speed will be 120kph. (Hopefully this work will be completed by the end of 2008).


The Cashel Bypass will be re-designated a motorway but 100kph speed limit will apply.


The Cashel / Cullahill Scheme is not due to open until May 2009. However, there is a good possibility that it could be opened in December 2008. The section of this scheme between Cullahill and Urlingford has already been designated a motorway and a 120kph speed limit will apply. The section, however, between Urlingford and Cashel has not been designated yet as a motorway but hopefully it will be so by the end of 2008. Again, 120pkh will apply to this section, should it be designated a motorway.


I trust that this answers your queries.

RockCastle

Furet wrote: »

I received the following email from South Tipp County Council today:

I refer to your email to Sean Carey in relation to the above and wish to comment as follows: -


It is hoped that the N8 Cashel / Mitchelstown Road Improvement Scheme between Cloughabreeda and Carrigane will be opened to traffic in the last week of July 2008. The initial speed limit on this section of road will be 100kph but will revert to 120kph when the road is declared a motorway, hopefully by the end of the year.


The green signage on the Cashel to Cahir road will be replaced by blue motorway signs before it is opened as a motorway and the speed will be 120kph. (Hopefully this work will be completed by the end of 2008).


The Cashel Bypass will be re-designated a motorway but 100kph speed limit will apply.


The Cashel / Cullahill Scheme is not due to open until May 2009. However, there is a good possibility that it could be opened in December 2008. The section of this scheme between Cullahill and Urlingford has already been designated a motorway and a 120kph speed limit will apply. The section, however, between Urlingford and Cashel has not been designated yet as a motorway but hopefully it will be so by the end of 2008. Again, 120pkh will apply to this section, should it be designated a motorway.


I trust that this answers your queries.

The Townlands dont mean anything to me so am i right in understanding that from the far side of Mitchelstown to the end of the Cashel Bypass will be finished and open by the end of July?

That would really be awesome! Some day we might all enjoy the drive from Cork to Dublin!

Amtmann

RockCastle wrote: »

The Townlands dont mean anything to me so am i right in understanding that from the far side of Mitchelstown to the end of the Cashel Bypass will be finished and open by the end of July?

That would really be awesome! Some day we might all enjoy the drive from Cork to Dublin!

That's right. The M8 will run from the northside of Cashel to just north of Mitchelstown by July. For 'Cloughabreeda' read Cahir; for 'Carrigane' read just north of Mitchelstown.

Good news indeed!

icdg

fitzgese wrote: »

Will there the M7/8 intersection be built like the M7/9 one or will it be possible to use the motorway to go in the Cork-Limerick direction? If they allow this, are they going to build a proper free-flow interchange?

No, its gonna be another M4/M6 and M7/M9 affair, no access from M8 to M7 southbound, no access from M7 northbound to M8.

In fairness, traffic from Cork itself to Limerick should be using the N20 and traffic from South Tipperary to Limerick should use the N24. Its only traffic in the immediate area of the junction that will be inconvienced.

Amtmann

The M7/M8 Cullahill to Portlaoise scheme has its own website, available here: http://www.m7m8scheme.ie/

The Environmental Impact Statement contains drawings and specs.

Amtmann

Here are some pictures of the Cashel to Mitchelstown M8, taken on 26 June 2008.

Image 2 shows the southern endpoint of the route - Exit 12, at Carrigane just north of Mitchelstown.

Image 7 shows the view from Carrigane looking northward.

Image 3 was taken at Exit 11, which is the exit between Cahir and Mitchelstown. Note the speed limit signage!

Amtmann

The Fermoy to Mitchelstown Scheme's Environmental Impact Statement - replete with maps, drawings and aerial photographs - can be viewed here: http://www.corkrdo.ie/n8_fermoy_mitchelstown_scheme_publications.php

Amtmann

Some photos of signage and layout

Amtmann

More photos, including two of Mitchelstown to Fermoy.

I spoke to a workman at the site and he said they're aiming to open it by March 2009!

darkman2

Thanks for the pics! I see the NRA is on a narrow median buzz atm:)

invincibleirish

Great thread, drove Cork - Maynooth last weekend, that section open between Cashel-Cahir is excellent you really notice the time saved. Its annoying having to pay 2 tolls eventually, but i guess the old N8 will be a lot quieter for the HGVs & Local Traffic1

Amtmann

Some photos of Cashel to Cullahill...

Amtmann

and some more...

RockCastle

That will be the job when it is ready! Some of it is ready to be lined.

Wonder will it all open in one go or will they Phase it like Cahel to Chair?

Amtmann

Possible hold up on the horizon with regard to Cullahill to Portlaoise lads: http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0615/laois.html

Disregard

Bards

Furet wrote: »

Possible hold up on the horizon with regard to Cullahill to Portlaoise lads: http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0615/laois.html

that report is from 2005?

Amtmann

Bards wrote: »

that report is from 2005?

Jesus, that's the second time today that's happened me. Apologies once more.

Amtmann

Some new pictures lads. Some work has been done during the week on Cahir to Mitchelstown, notably some lining and the application of cats eyes.

Amtmann

...and a few more.

childoforpheus

Got a newsletter today about the Cashel - Mitchelstown project. It says they expect to open the road in late July or early August.

fitzgese

According to the local newspaper (Nationalist) the remaining section of Cashel to Michelstown is due to open on Friday the 25th of July.

Furet, great pics. I meant to get some myself, but had camera problems :mad:. Looks like you've got it covered, but I will see if I can get a few more soon.

bawn79

Talking to a friend of mine who works on the cashel to culahill stretch of the M8.
He reckons it wont be open till Dec 08 at the earliest

bill_ashmount

Fair play Furet, it's really beginning to take shape now.

Amtmann

Thanks lads. Yup, it looks like it's going to be July 25. I'm heading up to take another look this evening.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Cashel to Cullahill takes a bit longer to open. I plan to head up that way again during the first week of August. I just rang RoadbridgeSisk a few minutes ago and they've said November.

Amtmann

Just back from Kilbeheny.

The Cashel to Mitchelstown section is.......complete! All is lined, marked, and signed. July 25 is D-Day.

Attached below is a photo of J12 - the southernmost start/endpoint of the scheme.

Amtmann

Motorway redesignation has officially happened. All sections of the M8 currently under construction will offially open as motorways rather than as HQDCs, and a speed limit of 120 km/h will be in force from September 24, 2008. All green signage will be taken down and replaced from that date aswell.

Some further developments: an official at the Dept of Transport just told me that the NRA will shortly apply to have the N8 redesignated a motorway all the way to Dunkettle. They expect this consultation process to take considerably less time than the current spate of redesignation consultation.

So good news indeed for all the M 8'ers!

WithCheesePlease

Anyone know when Abbeyleix will be bypassed??...

Stark

Q4 2010 according to the NRA site:

http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/LaoisCountyCouncil/N8PortlaoisetoCullahillCastletown/SchemeName,15066,en.html

WithCheesePlease

Stark wrote: »

Q4 2010 according to the NRA site:

http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/LaoisCountyCouncil/N8PortlaoisetoCullahillCastletown/SchemeName,15066,en.html

Jesus....

Still though, it's coming along nicely in fairness.

bill_ashmount

Furet wrote: »

Just back from Kilbeheny.

The Cashel to Mitchelstown section is.......complete! All is lined, marked, and signed. July 25 is D-Day.

Attached below is a photo of J12 - the southernmost start/endpoint of the scheme.

Should be open for the match in Thurles on Sunday so, looking forward to seeing it.

spacetweek

Furet wrote: »

Motorway redesignation has officially happened. All sections of the M8 currently under construction will offially open as motorways rather than as HQDCs, and a speed limit of 120 km/h will be in force from September 24, 2008. All green signage will be taken down and replaced from that date aswell.

Some further developments: an official at the Dept of Transport just told me that the NRA will shortly apply to have the N8 redesignated a motorway all the way to Dunkettle. They expect this consultation process to take considerably less time than the current spate of redesignation consultation.

So good news indeed for all the M 8'ers!

This is great news. There wasn't really anything stopping them redesignating this (Fermoy-Dunkettle) section anyway.

In a few years' time they should look at trying the same on the Naas Dual Carriageway, though it'll need some reconstruction.

bill_ashmount

Officially opened now....

E92

Furet wrote: »

Some further developments: an official at the Dept of Transport just told me that the NRA will shortly apply to have the N8 redesignated a motorway all the way to Dunkettle. They expect this consultation process to take considerably less time than the current spate of redesignation consultation.

So good news indeed for all the M 8'ers!

Superb! I could never understand why they didn't bother trying to re-designate the N8 between Dunkettle and the Fermoy in the first place. Though I would have thought there was nothing stopping them going to the roundabout where Cork-Dublin/Waterford and the exit for Glanmire intersect?(sorry I don't know the name of that roundabout:o)

Full marks to the NRA for taking full advantage of the Roads Act 2007.

Have you any idea Furet if they're going to bother trying to get roads like the Ballincollig bypass, N25 between Cork and Midelton, Limerick tunnel, Southern Ring Road etc re-designated and upgraded to 120 km/h?

childoforpheus

I presume you mean between Watergrasshill (Junction 17) to Dunkettle interchange (Junction 19). This is great news if it does happen. The stretch between Watergrasshill and Glanmire (Junction 18) is well able for 120km/h and the stretch between Glanmire and Dunkettle will probably be 100Km/h

Amtmann

To clarify, I meant all the way to the Dunkettle Roundabout (the big one before the Jack Lynch tunnel).

In other news, the 37km Mitchelstown to Cashel section was officially opened yesterday. The road is savage!!

Amtmann

Some new photos taken this evening of the Cashel to Cullahill section.
Unfortunately I don't think this part will be open until November at the earliest, which is what I've been hearing anyway. So we can definitely forget about a September opening. The terminus of the scheme is not that far advanced in terms of where it will fuse with the existing N8 just south of Cullahill. The roundabouts have only just been done, and there doesn't appear to be any southbound access at that particular point from what I can make out.

Anyways, enjoy folks...

bill_ashmount

Was on it yesterday. Nice road, actually felt a bit narrow. Not much of a hard shoulder, still a vast improvement on the old N8. The road will really improve once the Fermoy to Micthelstown section is opened.

Amtmann

E92 wrote: »

Have you any idea Furet if they're going to bother trying to get roads like the Ballincollig bypass, N25 between Cork and Midelton, Limerick tunnel, Southern Ring Road etc re-designated and upgraded to 120 km/h?

I'll try to find out. I'll give them a phone towards the end of the week. Any other stretches or questions when I'm at it?

bill_ashmount

E92 wrote: »

Have you any idea Furet if they're going to bother trying to get roads like the Ballincollig bypass, N25 between Cork and Midelton, Limerick tunnel, Southern Ring Road etc re-designated and upgraded to 120 km/h?

The N25 between Cork and Midelton must be one of the worst roads in the country at the moment (towards the Midelton side). It's like a rollercoaster.

childoforpheus

bill_ashmount wrote: »

The N25 between Cork and Midelton must be one of the worst roads in the country at the moment (towards the Midelton side). It's like a rollercoaster.

The stretch between the Dunkettle Interchange and Carrigtwohill is the only bit that can be designated as a Motorway as it is built to the standard and even already has the continous yellow line on the hard shoulder. I presume the bit between Carrigtwohill and Midleton is what your on about. That is not up to standard as also does not have an alternative route.

Carawaystick

bill_ashmount wrote: »

The N25 between Cork and Midelton must be one of the worst roads in the country at the moment (towards the Midelton side). It's like a rollercoaster.

not even close to the worst national primary route let alone national secondary route. it's a Dual Carriageway there, parts of the n25 south of Kilmeaden are worse, and there are sections of the N6 at Cappataggle, parts of the N5, the road from Lifford to Letterkenny ( N13 or 14 I think) are all way worse. the N18 from Barefield to Gort is pretty poor too.

actually to stray closer to the topic, some of the N8 between Portlaoise and Abbeyleix is pretty poor too.

transylman

If you don't want to wait to see the new stretch of road between Mitchelstown and Cashel you can check it on the excellent openstreetmap.

http://www.openstreetmap.org/

bill_ashmount

transylman wrote: »

If you don't want to wait to see the new stretch of road between Mitchelstown and Cashel you can check it on the excellent openstreetmap.

http://www.openstreetmap.org/

How does this work?
All I see is a standard map with a blue line for the M8, am I doing something wrong?

childoforpheus

transylman wrote: »

If you don't want to wait to see the new stretch of road between Mitchelstown and Cashel you can check it on the excellent openstreetmap.

http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Thanks for that transylman, I was waiting for them to update it.

mackerski

bill_ashmount wrote: »

How does this work?
All I see is a standard map with a blue line for the M8, am I doing something wrong?

Try zooming in. It works very much like Google maps: drag to pan around, and use the zoom widget (or just double-click) to zoom in.

childoforpheus wrote:

Thanks for that transylman, I was waiting for them to update it.

Keep in mind that "they" is a very inclusive concept in OpenStreetMap. In this particular case, I mapped the road with data collected by a friend, who happened to drive the stretch last weekend. But the data is sketchy in places, in particular on the southern junction, where I've had to leave the northbound carriageway tie-in hanging because I don't know how it's really plumbed.

Therefore, a call out to those of you who are keen enough to drive new road schemes (or ones not yet mapped, or poorly mapped on OSM):

* If you have a GPS receiver, switch it on an log where you've been.
* Configure the device to log points as frequently as practical (your storage capacity will dictate how frequent this is)
* By all means map the stuff yourself, but if you prefer not to I'll gratefully accept your traces and see that they get on the map.
* If collecting traces, there are things you can do that will greatly assist in the subsequent mapping. Drive the full 360 around roundabouts and try to cover all carriageways and slip roads.
* The National Road Network is almost fully mapped. If you've got this far, please consider whether you can gather traces for the remaining gaps.