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N52 - Ardee Bypass [construction to commence in 2026]

marno21

This road seems to come up regularly in the Dail so I said it deserves its own thread seeing as there are pushes for it to be included in the review of the Capital Investment Plan next year

http://www.thisisardee.ie/2016/07/28/ross-speaks-ardee-western-bypass/

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marno21

Deleted User wrote: »

The bypass got €6 million from the 2019 national roads allocation. What they'll do with that I'm not sure.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/6m-for-ardee-bypass-37690856.html

It's to start construction in 2019.

marno21

According to DPER, this is to start in Q3 2019

http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/BUILD-2019-FINAL-2.pdf

marno21

Latest on the discussions over the road severance along the scheme

2019 for this is optimistic let alone Q3 2019

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/bid-to-resolve-bypass-issues-38130078.html

roadmaster

marno21 wrote: »

Latest on the discussions over the road severance along the scheme

2019 for this is optimistic let alone Q3 2019

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/bid-to-resolve-bypass-issues-38130078.html

This job has being in planning for god knows how long at this stage its wonder these issues are only coming to light now. Could there be also maybe farmers trying to hold out for a few euros more?

marno21

roadmaster wrote: »

This job has being in planning for god knows how long at this stage its wonder these issues are only coming to light now. Could there be also maybe farmers trying to hold out for a few euros more?

CPO was done years ago. I don't understand why this wasn't resolved back then

This & Moycullen are two places where more ink will have been printed about their bypasses than construction materials involved in the projects themselves

roadmaster

I was speaking to a former colleague to day who works for a firm that is tendering for the client rep services and he said they have no idea when the project is going to happen over the issue with locals and access. Hopefully he is wrong and they will get it sorted asap

marno21

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/ardee-residents-in-bypass-access-bid-38335335.html

This is going nowhere anytime soon

hondar

Not looking good.it will be a few years before we see any diggers on the ground

Pete_Cavan

Better off just scrapping the project now than pouring more resources into creating some junction riddled Road to appease a few people. There are numerous places around the country, including other locations on the N52, more in need of such a bypass.

roadmaster

This was posted on Tobins website in June that they where putting tender docs together

https://www.tobinconsultingengineers.com/project/ardee-bypass/

roadmaster

Driving to Belfast this morning and it seams advanced works may have started on the kells side

marno21

Article in relation to this project's effect on a local bog

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/ardee-bog-is-sanctuary-of-heather-a-living-carpet-of-psychedelic-greens-38481569.html

I hadn't realised this project got planning permission 18 years ago. Scandalous stuff.

road_high

marno21 wrote: »

Article in relation to this project's effect on a local bog

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/ardee-bog-is-sanctuary-of-heather-a-living-carpet-of-psychedelic-greens-38481569.html

I hadn't realised this project got planning permission 18 years ago. Scandalous stuff.

I can’t see that getting the go ahead in that context - the eco warrior stuff is flavor of the year

roadmaster

marno21 wrote: »

Article in relation to this project's effect on a local bog

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/ardee-bog-is-sanctuary-of-heather-a-living-carpet-of-psychedelic-greens-38481569.html

I hadn't realised this project got planning permission 18 years ago. Scandalous stuff.

Good to see an artist based in New York is up to date with the traffic flows in Ardee

BelfastVanMan

roadmaster wrote: »

marno21 wrote: »

Article in relation to this project's effect on a local bog

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/ardee-bog-is-sanctuary-of-heather-a-living-carpet-of-psychedelic-greens-38481569.html

I hadn't realised this project got planning permission 18 years ago. Scandalous stuff.

Good to see an artist based in New York is up to date with the traffic flows in Ardee

I know; that made me wonder, too..

marno21

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/ardee-bypass-on-hold-after-tii-seek-review-of-project-38481565.html

Project has been put on hold pending resolution of the cul de sac issue.

If this has to go back into planning I wouldn't be surprised to see it scrapped altogether.

marno21

TII are in with the transport committee this week to discuss this issue.

marno21

Project delayed by 12-18 months after TII decline request to tender project, in order to find a solution to the junction issues involved

https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/32/joint_committee_on_transport_tourism_and_sport/submissions/2019/2019-09-18_opening-statement-peter-walsh-director-of-capitol-programmes-transport-infrastructure-ireland-et-al_en.pdf

https://www.lmfm.ie/news/tii-refuses-to-commit-further-funding-to-ardee-byp/

https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/479258/tii-say-funding-for-ardee-bypass-may-be-directed-to-other-projects.html

Quote:

Louth County Council’s first priority will be the preparation for, and organisation of the public consultation events. Drawings will be provided showing viable junction alternatives and arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists. It is anticipated that these events will be open to the public towards the end of this year or early next year. Time will be allowed for all interested parties to make submissions. The most appropriate technical option will then be progressed to a Part 8 planning process. If planning approval is secured and additional land is
required, a CPO will then be submitted to An Bord Pleanála.

In parallel, the works already commenced on the ground will be concluded and Louth County Council will engage with relevant service providers to ensure that the necessary diversions have been progressed. The business case will be updated and submitted for review. Then, subject to all the necessary approvals being received, Louth County Council will aim to go to tender with this scheme before the end of 2020

roadmaster

marno21 wrote: »

Project delayed by 12-18 months after TII decline request to tender project, in order to find a solution to the junction issues involved

https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/32/joint_committee_on_transport_tourism_and_sport/submissions/2019/2019-09-18_opening-statement-peter-walsh-director-of-capitol-programmes-transport-infrastructure-ireland-et-al_en.pdf

https://www.lmfm.ie/news/tii-refuses-to-commit-further-funding-to-ardee-byp/

https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/479258/tii-say-funding-for-ardee-bypass-may-be-directed-to-other-projects.html

Quote:

Louth County Council’s first priority will be the preparation for, and organisation of the public consultation events. Drawings will be provided showing viable junction alternatives and arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists. It is anticipated that these events will be open to the public towards the end of this year or early next year. Time will be allowed for all interested parties to make submissions. The most appropriate technical option will then be progressed to a Part 8 planning process. If planning approval is secured and additional land is
required, a CPO will then be submitted to An Bord Pleanála.

In parallel, the works already commenced on the ground will be concluded and Louth County Council will engage with relevant service providers to ensure that the necessary diversions have been progressed. The business case will be updated and submitted for review. Then, subject to all the necessary approvals being received, Louth County Council will aim to go to tender with this scheme before the end of 2020

How has this happened. Surely this had to come up during the initial public consultation?

marno21

TII press release on latest re: scheme:

The development of the N52 Bypass schemes dates back to 2001. Part 8 planning approval for the scheme was granted by Louth County Council in June 2005 and the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was confirmed by An Bord Pleanala in 2006. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding in the period since 2006, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) was unable to confirm approval for the scheme to progress to construction. However, in 2018, some funding was secured and this enabled the appointment by Louth County Council, which is the road authority for the area, of technical advisors to carry out detailed design and to prepare the Business Case and tender documents.

Following re-activation of the scheme, however, a number of concerns regarding the scheme design were expressed by local communities. The concerns primarily relate to the creation of two cul-de-sacs that were included as part of the scheme in the Mullenstown/Coole area and the negative impacts that these arrangements would have on local traffic movements.

These concerns reflect the many changes that have occurred in Ardee and its environs in the intervening twelve year period. In particular, the population of the area has increased and this is reflected in the number of new homes that have been constructed in the vicinity of the scheme over recent years.

The design of all major national road schemes, such as town bypasses, is not only about providing a strategic, safe and efficient roadway for long distance traffic. A wide range of other factors must also be taken into account, including environmental, engineering, financial, traffic patterns and the impacts of the scheme on the local community. It is, therefore, central to TII’s approach to the development and implementation of major national road schemes that the views of local communities are heard and are taken on board to the extent possible.

Accordingly, during recent months, meetings were held and detailed submissions from residents were received by Louth County Council and TII. Of particular concern in these submissions is the proposed closure of the Townspark road west of the new bypass and the closure of the Mullanstown Road east (that is on the Ardee town side) of the new bypass and the consequences of these closures.

As already stated, the views of the local community are an essential part in the design and delivery of major national road schemes. Accordingly, Louth County Council, with the support of TII, has been working to identify means of addressing the issues that have been raised by the local community. The Council’s endeavours in this regard are, however, very much constrained by the original scheme design which was statutorily approved by An Bord Pleanála and the scope of the land that was acquired for construction of the scheme.

All of the options that were identified by Louth County Council following consultation with the community would require an amendment of the planning permission and the acquisition of additional lands, if they are to be progressed.

It is within this context that, on 29 August 2019, Louth County Council sought TII approval to commence the tender competition for the construction of the scheme, as approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2006. The Council’s application was made on the basis that there would be a subsequent amendments to the junctions, if found to be warranted. Any such amendments would, it should be noted, necessarily require a separate and subsequent planning procedure.

Notwithstanding the strategic importance of this project – both locally and nationally – it is TII’s position that the Ardee Bypass scheme must provide a fit-for-purpose bypass that benefits not only long distance traffic movements but also the lives of the local community and their business and leisure activities. TII is also, of course, fully committed to achieving the maximum value for taxpayers’ money, in accordance with our obligations under the Public Spending Code.

Accordingly, as it had become clear to TII over the course of the interaction with local residents that the issues raised would have to be addressed, Louth County Council has been requested to undertake a review of the scheme design in advance of progressing to construction. The review will consider the junction strategy for the scheme and the facilities for vulnerable road users. A comprehensive public consultation process will be undertaken as part of the review to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to engage in an open and equitable process. Public consultation events will be held in early 2020, following the completion of a technical review of the scheme, and drawings will be provided showing viable junction alternatives and arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists. Submissions will be invited and the best technical option will then be progressed to Part 8 planning approval next year.

In parallel, the works already commenced on the ground will be concluded and the Business Case for the scheme will be updated and submitted for review, as required under the Government’s Public Spending Code. Subject to all the necessary approvals being received, it is anticipated that Louth County Council will tender the main construction contract before the end of 2020 or early 2021.

It has been suggested that TII should consider granting approval to Louth County Council to tender the project, in its current guise, and to incorporate at a later stage any design amendments that are identified and agreed following the review process. It is, however, the case that public bodies such as TII cannot sanction the tendering of projects prior to the complete finalisation of the design, scope and specification of the works that are to be delivered under the contract. Any such approach in relation to the Ardee Bypass project, which involves the investment of many millions of taxpayers’ money, would be entirely in contravention of the principles of the Public Spending Code and would inevitably leave Louth County Council/TII/the taxpayer exposed to very substantial claims under the contract.

In summary, in circumstances where residents have voiced serious concerns regarding the impacts of the scheme on the local community, it is clearly prudent at this time to conduct a review of the scheme and to invite the views and submissions of the local community, before committing many millions of taxpayers’ money. This will ensure (a) the delivery a fit-for purpose Ardee Bypass scheme that benefits the local community and (b) the achievement of maximum value for money for the taxpayer.

TII is fully committed to delivering the national road projects that have been identified for construction in the National Development Plan, which include the N52 Ardee Bypass. Louth County Council has only paused progress on the bypass scheme as it consults with the public during a review of the project. The Council will seek planning consent for any improvements identified and warranted following the review and TII will provide funding for project expenditure as it occurs, including the main works contract.

adcrawley

Even though the bypass has been put on hold, groundworks have started in the last few weeks.
I took a few shots last weekend when the area was flooded with heavy rains.
The route that the bypass will take heading west is under water in most of these photos.

https://www.ardeesnapper.ie/Ardee/Historic-Places/The-Bog/20191110-The-LakeDistrict/

roadmaster

On the N52 the other day and I noticed about 5km south of Ardee a lot of trees and hedges have being cleared. Is the road widening planned there?

adcrawley

roadmaster wrote: »

On the N52 the other day and I noticed about 5km south of Ardee a lot of trees and hedges have being cleared. Is the road widening planned there?

South of Ardee would be the Dublin direction.
The bypass isn't touching the southside.

Its to the west out the N52, where some work has already started with the clearance strangely enough.
The bypass will merge on the N52 about 4 or 5km to the west of the town, just after you cross the river Dee and into County Meath.
The work started the week after TII announced that it was being put on hold.
The contentious parts of the bypass, where it crosses 2 rural roads, have also had trees and ditches cleared from around them.

I posted some images from the area in the last post before yours.
The route was flooded a fortnight ago with the heavy rain.

roadmaster

adcrawley wrote: »

South of Ardee would be the Dublin direction.
The bypass isn't touching the southside.

Its to the west out the N52, where some work has already started with the clearance strangely enough.
The bypass will merge on the N52 about 4 or 5km to the west of the town, just after you cross the river Dee and into County Meath.
The work started the week after TII announced that it was being put on hold.
The contentious parts of the bypass, where it crosses 2 rural roads, have also had trees and ditches cleared from around them.

I posted some images from the area in the last post before yours.
The route was flooded a fortnight ago with the heavy rain.

I had seen the works on the left handside as you go in to ardee from kells which wasn't that long ago but I hadn't noticed all the trees chopped on the carriageway heading for kells., The bypass is only 4.5km if that was the start point it would add on and extra few kms would it not ?

adcrawley

roadmaster wrote: »

I had seen the works on the left handside as you go in to ardee from kells which wasn't that long ago but I hadn't noticed all the trees chopped on the carriageway heading for kells., The bypass is only 4.5km if that was the start point it would add on and extra few kms would it not ?

I agree that it owuld seem to add extra length to it alright, but that's where its proposed to come out as far as I know.

BelfastVanMan

adcrawley wrote: »

I agree that it owuld seem to add extra length to it alright, but that's where its proposed to come out as far as I know.

Seeing as though it will connect at the north end with the N2, north-west of Ardee, 4.5kms seems about right.

marno21

Public consultation on junction options for the bypass next week

https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/520541/public-consultation-on-n52-ardee-bypass-takes-place-next-week.html

rachaelf750

Feb25 Flooding showing here.

https://www.facebook.com/Ardee-Bypass-Facts-720656911645144/

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roadmaster

An update flyer from Louth County Council/ROD

https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/louth_county_council/latest-news/leaflet-map.pdf

spacetweek

No update on this since. They must still be reviewing the design changes.