M8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown photos

Amtmann

Just thought I'd post some pictures of the blinding progress made on this project recently. I estimate the new road will open in mid-May.

The following progression were all taken from the R665 (i.e. the Clonmel to Mitchelstown road) overbridge just north of Mitchelstown:

22 November 2008


15 December 2008


16 January 2009


31 January 2009


And 21 March 2009...



***
Some more photos of how things currently stand on the northern half of the route:





At Carrigane (junction 12) you can just see the median approaching the C-M scheme. This should be completely tied in by next Friday:


A roundabout built as part of the M-F scheme at the R665 overbridge. I add this photo to show that a little bit of landscaping goes a long way. A few bulbs and one tree make a big difference; contrast this with the spartan roundabouts on the C-M scheme overbridges:









The photo below shows the Fermoy Bypass tie-in as it is today on 21 March. It was taken early this morning, hence the haziness. But a power of work was done here during the past week. It's really starting to take shape now, though it's hard to make out from this picture:


Finally, it seems that a large amount of the southbound carriageway between exits 14 and 13 has received the final surface. As I pointed out over on infrastructure, almost all the sign poles and crash barriers are up along the entire route.

dh0661

Thanks for that ---- looking good

Amtmann

I've heard it'll open on 29 May.

fastrac

Just before the elections no doubt

Fairdues

With today's announcement that all expenditure on Road projects is to be suspended indefinitely, I wonder if this road will open at all, not to mention on time!

dh0661

Fairdues wrote: »

With today's announcement that all expenditure on Road projects is to be suspended indefinitely, I wonder if this road will open at all, not to mention on time!

Conor Faukin (I know I've spelt his name wrong) the AA guy, said on radio this evening that all current projects are going to be finished, and the only new project to start in 2009 will be the Castleisland (Co. Kerry) bypass.

Amtmann

Fairdues wrote: »

With today's announcement that all expenditure on Road projects is to be suspended indefinitely, I wonder if this road will open at all, not to mention on time!

No danger of this happening. Everything that's already under construction is safe.

Amtmann

So, as you can see, grade separation has been achieved, and the mainlines of both schemes are being prepped for union. I think this will be done within two weeks.

***

Below are some other photos of lining progress and the junction 12 Carrigane tie-in.

At Kilworth.


At Junction 14, looking north.


The Carrigane tie-in.

dh0661

I suppose the fine weather over the last couple of weeks has helped to progress work no end.

Amtmann

Just heard today that the road will open on Friday 29 May.

overmantle

Travelled this road the other day. The new part can't open half fast enough. It's like an obstacle course around Mitchelstown at this stage.

Amtmann

overmantle wrote: »

It's like an obstacle course around Mitchelstown at this stage.

You can say that again!

Amtmann

A few photos. Still very much on track for opening on 25 May.

The new overbridge concrete barrier style - no bulge on the carriageway to accomodate the bridge supports:


Three kilometres south of junction 13:


Same position, looking north:


About 2.5 km south of junction 13:


Same position, looking south:


ADS:


More ADS:


The wearing course: