National routes redesignated as motorway

Trojan

Some national routes are being redesignated as motorway. I'm wondering what kind of effect this will have on cycling routes, especially for long distance trips where being able to travel on the dual carriageways was particularly beneficial and could shave a couple of hours off a cross country trip.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0828/roads.html wrote:

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said: 'The purpose of this move is to enhance and protect the national motorway network.'

The speed limits on these roads will be increased from 100 to 120km/ph, which will mean that learner drivers, certain types of agricultural vehicles and motorbikes will be banned.

Motorway status will be applied to 294km of national roads.

The sections reclassified include the N2 between Kilshane and Ashbourne, the N4 between Kinnegad and McNead's Bridge and the N6 between Athlone and Galway.

However, the section from Ballinasloe to Galway is one of a number of roads under construction.

Parts of the N3, N8, N9, N11, N18 and N20 are also covered, along with the Limerick Southern Ring Road.

More at http://www.transport.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=124

mmclo

If it is the case it should be an issue for a national advocacy group. I see cyclist.ie haven't updated their website since it's foundation was announced!

blorg

In most cases there are probably reasonable alternatives. The only one I use regularly is the N3 and the redesignation just means I will have to go through Clonee on a road not significantly less direct.

To be honest even cross country there are generally more direct routes on back roads if you have a GPS or are good with navigation; motorway standard dual carriageways are less than pleasant to cycle on, faster in a car certainly but often not on a bike.

There are maps on the transport.ie site at the end of the pdfs so you can check out what is being redesignated. Also note that much of the redesignations are actually motorways still under construction so nothing is being lost.