N5 - Westport to Turlough [open to traffic]

irishgeo · 06-02-2021 10:03pm

The breaffy road junction section has the old road removed already and trucks crossing the diverted section so beware of the crossing guards stepping out on the road to allow the trucks across.

Westernyelp · 18-02-2021 11:07pm

First spans on the overbridge at the N84 junction going in at the moment

yew_tree · 24-02-2021 6:54pm

What sort of central divide will be on this dual carriageway? A single wired fence like the Tuam bypass or a double sided crash barrier which I believe they are going to install on the Castlebaldwin - Collooney type 2 dual ?

KrisW1001 · 24-02-2021 6:56pm

It should be a double-sided metal crash-barrier, as that's the new standard.

DumbBrunette · 25-02-2021 7:26pm

They're back:

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/02/25/community-concerns-raised-over-proposed-closure-of-west-mayo-road-for-four-months

28-02-2021 10:19am

Hello,

I have two questions regarding road construction. Both of which can be seen on the N5.

Question 1. If you look at the areas where the new N5 crosses existing roads you will notice a patch of concrete. Why do they use concrete at these crossings ?

Question 2. If you look at the road you will notice big square drains, this is a general new road question. Look at the infamous Balla road realignment you will see a big square mass of water. Look at the Tuam bypass again you will see big square pools of water. I notice they have two of them built at Breaffy intersection.
Can anyone tell me the engineering principles here ?

Thanks,
6541

irishgeo · 28-02-2021 3:51pm

6541 wrote: »

Hello,

I have two questions regarding road construction. Both of which can be seen on the N5.

Question 1. If you look at the areas where the new N5 crosses existing roads you will notice a patch of concrete. Why do they use concrete at these crossings ?

Question 2. If you look at the road you will notice big square drains, this is a general new road question. Look at the infamous Balla road realignment you will see a big square mass of water. Look at the Tuam bypass again you will see big square pools of water. I notice they have two of them built at Breaffy intersection.
Can anyone tell me the engineering principles here ?

Thanks,
6541

1. The big Volvo dump truck would have tarmac taken up in no time. The concrete is a stronger option for the crossing point.

2. I'm no engineer but it's basically holding ponds for water run off.

mayo.mick · 28-02-2021 10:43pm

Some dashcam footage of the N5 junction under construction at Turlough last Tuesday 23rd February.

DumbBrunette · 13-03-2021 9:44am

The new N84 bridge deck now in place.

Link https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=220148793134352&id=105469147935651&__tn__=%2AW-R

DumbBrunette · 20-03-2021 10:22pm

New aerial shot of the GSJ on the Ballinrobe Road in Castlebar.

Pic courtesy of Jack Walsh drone photography.

thomas385 · 20-03-2021 11:10pm

New drone video on YouTube from around the Derrylea roundabout to the Belcarra Road.

(Can't post link as it says I am a new member, the YouTube channel name is "JayKay")

DumbBrunette · 21-03-2021 12:01am

That's a great video, thanks for sharing

Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/L3dJR87m7Tk

thomas385 wrote: »

New drone video on YouTube from around the Derrylea roundabout to the Belcarra Road.

(Can't post link as it says I am a new member, the YouTube channel name is "JayKay")

mayo.mick · 21-03-2021 1:05am

thomas385 wrote: »

New drone video on YouTube from around the Derrylea roundabout to the Belcarra Road.

(Can't post link as it says I am a new member, the YouTube channel name is "JayKay")

Cosmo Kramer · 21-03-2021 12:47pm

Great video, it's coming on really well. Didn't realise it went quite as close to the rugby pitch as that, there could be a few overhit conversions bouncing out onto the road at Cloondeash.

Looking forward to spinning back to Westport on the dual carriageway with the sun setting in the background some evening in the not too distant future.

DumbBrunette · 09-04-2021 6:23pm

Latest on the road closure row in Islandeady:

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/04/08/west-mayo-community-seeking-solution-to-three-month-road-closure-proposal/

DumbBrunette · 09-04-2021 10:04pm

Bridge deck now in place on the Islandeady Road, looking west towards Westport and Croagh Patrick.

Link https://m.facebook.com/Structive/photos/a.109636937518872/242183844264180/?type=3&source=48

DumbBrunette · 13-04-2021 10:56pm

Very detailed maps of the entire project have appeared on the scheme website https://n5w2t.com/

This is very welcome as these maps haven't been available online previously.

m17 · 14-04-2021 6:21pm

On there way to castlebar 14/04/21

DumbBrunette · 27-04-2021 10:05pm

Couple of quick updates on this scheme:

1. The railway bridges on either side of Castlebar are well advanced with abutments and embankments in place. It appears to my untrained eye that the bridge decks could be installed at any time.

2. Earthworks are well underway on the N59 section. There is a lot of machinery in the area and the outline of the realigned road is clearly visible, but a lot of digging is still needed in the Barleyhill/Slaugar area.

3. New drone footage from the Turlough end of the scheme: https://www.instagram.com/tv/COGlUtQJGdR/?igshid=11wu4zuh0a999

Dudda · 28-04-2021 2:30pm

DumbBrunette wrote: »

Couple of quick updates on this scheme:

1. The railway bridges on either side of Castlebar are well advanced with abutments and embankments in place. It appears to my untrained eye that the bridge decks could be installed at any time.

Possibly something that will be done over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Irish Rail usually do their engineering works over long weekends and operate bus transfers.

DumbBrunette · 29-04-2021 12:38pm

Google maps have updated their satellite imagery for most of the new N5 route. It looks like the images are only a few weeks old.

There's a fantastic level of detail visible, well worth a look.

yannakis · 30-04-2021 11:05pm

DumbBrunette wrote: »

Google maps have updated their satellite imagery for most of the new N5 route. It looks like the images are only a few weeks old.

There's a fantastic level of detail visible, well worth a look.

Google Earth (desktop) says 2 Apr 2021

Reuben1210 · 01-05-2021 2:35pm

yannakis wrote: »

Google Earth (desktop) says 2 Apr 2021

Where on google maps can you check dates the satellite images are taken?

yannakis · 01-05-2021 11:08pm

Reuben1210 wrote: »

Where on google maps can you check dates the satellite images are taken?

That's the date of the images you see in Google Maps.

Earth Desktop just indicates the dates, that's why I checked there. It also has more versions of images (sometimes newer ones than what's published in Maps).

DumbBrunette · 07-05-2021 10:57pm

The Islandeady Road closure row has been resolved: https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/05/07/agreement-reached-on-temporary-closure-of-n5-access-to-west-mayo-community/

The local residents did well, the original planned closure was 9 months.

thomas385 · 09-05-2021 2:00pm

New drone video on YouTube from Kilbree into Westport

spacetweek · 09-05-2021 10:59pm

The last 30 sec shows very little progress around Westport.

irishgeo · 09-05-2021 11:13pm

spacetweek wrote: »

The last 30 sec shows very little progress around Westport.

Only type 2 that and no bridges so I imagine it's probably going to be the last bit done. The priority is to get the bridges done first.

Oscar Bravo · 09-05-2021 11:18pm

Massive progress around the Castlebar area. Different kind of road building than times gone by. very little mess etc. Ballyhaunis plant hire have 2 road sweepers flat out going from site to site keeping the place clean.

DumbBrunette · 14-05-2021 9:49pm

Serious digging at the N60 junction in Castlebar today, courtesy of Jack Walsh drone photography.

Link: https://m.facebook.com/2224058757921503/photos/a.2761274107533296/2910175265976512/?type=3&source=54&ref=page_internal

Chris_5339762 · 15-05-2021 10:57am

I know that it has to happen, but holy crap those two poor households.

L1011 · 15-05-2021 7:34pm

I would take a guess that they were offered CPO and declined.

Chris_5339762 · 15-05-2021 8:20pm

L1011 wrote: »

I would take a guess that they were offered CPO and declined.

They look like those Chinese Nail Houses.

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2014/apr/15/china-nail-houses-in-pictures-property-development

Cosmo Kramer · 15-05-2021 8:35pm

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

I know that it has to happen, but holy crap those two poor households.

Thankfully both houses were CPOd as per the post below.

WBEngineer wrote: »

The house on the far right was purchased in 2017 by its current occupants. Mayo CoCo agreed to CPO the property in August 2020 after some issues arose with the owners. They are still residing in the property.

The property to its left was not originally meant to be CPO'd either. However, in 2016 Mayo CoCo changed its mind, altered the road plan and CPO'd the property after issues with the owners arose. Those occupants moved to a new build on the Westport Road in 2019.

However, that house was then given by Mayo CoCo to the couple that lived in the sole property to be demolished (property once stood with the green portaloo is located). They were residing there while their new home was being built. They are in the process of vacating the property. This property was/is expected to become a site office for WillsBam.

The house to the left of the demolished property (corner/garden visible in image) is occupied. That house is actually built on the sheet rock that is being broken/blasted and as such they are living in hell with noise and tremors echoing through the house from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday. If you walk past that property you may be able to see the sound recorders installed in the rear garden by Mayo CoCo during working hours.

Finally, the property to the left of that house but out of view in the drone image is temporary vacant. The occupants complained about the noise and Mayo CoCo has agreed to pay them to rent a property elsewhere until the project is completed.

Chris_5339762 · 16-05-2021 12:33pm

Thanks for the update. Awful situation, but sadly it must happen.

DumbBrunette · 17-05-2021 9:03pm

I drove the full length of the scheme today- it was a beautiful day here and the contractor was hard at it at every location I visited. Huge amount of haulage traffic on the existing W-C road also. Here are some highlights, from west to east.

1. Barleyhill bends: Earthworks are advancing apace, with much of the top of the hill beside the Slaugar road junction now removed.

2. Lodge Road underbridge: Embankments are now being built up here to connect with the future underbridge.

3. Sheeaun road overbridge: Huge progress here, the temporary road diversion is open and a concrete pour for the bridge pillars was underway when I passed. The embankments leading up to the new bridge are largely complete too.

4. Derradda and Drumneen overbridges: The temporary diversions are open in both of these locations and digging out the future cuttings is continuing apace. The Drumneen cutting will be a monster, 30 metres from the top to road level.

5. Islandeady Road overbridge: The bridge is complete, tie-in works will be carried out during a road closure in June.

6. Lough Lannagh causeway: This has been built up and widened further since my last visit at Christmas, I presume it must be near its final level now.

7. Castlebar west roundabout: Not much change here, but a lot of haulage traffic along the new road, with flagmen in place.

8. Belcarra road overbridge and N60 overbridge: Temporary diversions open and the cuttings through the limestone bedrock look to be nearly finished. Foundation works for bridge abutments are underway and workers were securing rebar for the next concrete pour at the N60 junction when I passed.

9. Castlebar east roundabout: Very busy here with both haulage traffic and earthworks to realign the existing N5 to line up with the future roundabout.

serfboard · 18-05-2021 5:49pm

DumbBrunette wrote: »

7. Castlebar west roundabout

The most disappointing aspect of this scheme for me - a roundabout in the middle of a dual carriageway. I know a roundabout is cheaper, but I presume that this was as a result of lobbying by Castlebar businesses to have a roundabout instead of a GSJ (like they have at the N84 and N60 junctions).

Fair enough there are roundabouts in Castlebar East and Westport East at the start and end of the dual carriageway section, but a roundabout in the middle of it is awful bloody annoying!

Reuben1210 · 18-05-2021 6:08pm

serfboard wrote: »

The most disappointing aspect of this scheme for me - a roundabout in the middle of a dual carriageway. I know a roundabout is cheaper, but I presume that this was as a result of lobbying by Castlebar businesses to have a roundabout instead of a GSJ (like they have at the N84 and N60 junctions).

Fair enough there are roundabouts in Castlebar East and Westport East at the start and end of the dual carriageway section, but a roundabout in the middle of it is awful bloody annoying!

100% agreed!

thomas385 · 18-05-2021 7:11pm

serfboard wrote: »

The most disappointing aspect of this scheme for me - a roundabout in the middle of a dual carriageway. I know a roundabout is cheaper, but I presume that this was as a result of lobbying by Castlebar businesses to have a roundabout instead of a GSJ (like they have at the N84 and N60 junctions).

Fair enough there are roundabouts in Castlebar East and Westport East at the start and end of the dual carriageway section, but a roundabout in the middle of it is awful bloody annoying!

Agree completely.

Another thing that I find strange is that between that Castlebar West roundabout and Westport East roundabout there isn't a single exit or junction, a distance of roughly 10km. There are certain stretches of motorway that don't have that distance between exits, never mind a predominantly rural dual carriageway!

DumbBrunette · 18-05-2021 8:23pm

This junction was always planned to be a roundabout. The amount of traffic going on/off the DC to access Castlebar is too high for a GSJ. See screenshot from design report from 2013.

serfboard wrote: »

The most disappointing aspect of this scheme for me - a roundabout in the middle of a dual carriageway. I know a roundabout is cheaper, but I presume that this was as a result of lobbying by Castlebar businesses to have a roundabout instead of a GSJ (like they have at the N84 and N60 junctions).

Fair enough there are roundabouts in Castlebar East and Westport East at the start and end of the dual carriageway section, but a roundabout in the middle of it is awful bloody annoying!

serfboard · 19-05-2021 11:59am

DumbBrunette wrote: »

This junction was always planned to be a roundabout.

Don't disagree that it was always planned to be roundabout.

DumbBrunette wrote: »

The amount of traffic going on/off the DC to access Castlebar is too high for a GSJ.

What? There are GSJs on the M50 for God's sake. Is somebody seriously saying that there is going to be more traffic around Castlebar than there is on the M50?

This smacks to me of making an argument to suit an outcome that was already wanted.

KrisW1001 · 19-05-2021 1:34pm

The M50 carries about five times the traffic that this road does, so it needs full GSJs.

The junction types on this road are compact Grade-separated Junctions - they have much shorter on- and off- ramps, and that limits the amount of space dedicated to leaving and joining traffic on the mainline. They are grade-separated primarily to prevent right-turners blocking or conflicting with through-traffic. They're used where most of the movement is along the main road, with only small amount of traffic joining and leaving.

On the other hand, where the movements are evenly split between traffic staying on the road and traffic joining and leaving, then a large roundabout is a better use of the land and funds, and will make traffic flow better. That reason is stated in the text DumbBrunette posted. It's not an after-the-fact argument; it's sound engineering.

Just because it was wrong to put roundabouts on high-traffic roads, it does not mean it's wrong to use them on a scheme like this with less than 20k AADT. A full motorway/motorway junction would certainly improve traffic flow at these points (maybe shaving a whole 30 seconds off transit times through the junction), but it would do so at 5-10 times the cost of a roundabout while using much more land.

riddlinrussell · 19-05-2021 1:59pm

KrisW1001 wrote: »

The M50 carries about five times the traffic that this road does, so it needs full GSJs.

The junction types on this road are compact Grade-separated Junctions - they have much shorter on- and off- ramps, and that limits the amount of space dedicated to leaving and joining traffic on the mainline. They are grade-separated primarily to prevent right-turners blocking or conflicting with through-traffic. They're used where most of the movement is along the main road, with only small amount of traffic joining and leaving.

On the other hand, where the movements are evenly split between traffic staying on the road and traffic joining and leaving, then a large roundabout is a better use of the land and funds, and will make traffic flow better. That reason is stated in the text DumbBrunette posted. It's not an after-the-fact argument; it's sound engineering.

Just because it was wrong to put roundabouts on high-traffic roads, it does not mean it's wrong to use them on a scheme like this with less than 20k AADT. A full motorway/motorway junction would certainly improve traffic flow at these points (maybe shaving a whole 30 seconds off transit times through the junction), but it would do so at 5-10 times the cost of a roundabout while using much more land.

Great points, a Compact GSJ is not 'The same as a GSJ, just smaller', capacity is impacted by the space provided for exiting the mainline, the junctions created on the over/underbridge etc

DumbBrunette · 19-05-2021 5:04pm

Took a walk on the Greenway today past the works on the N59 north of Westport. Pic here of the cutting being dug through Barleyhill to bypass the notorious bends at that location. The cutting will come down to approximately the level of the existing road, and an embankment will be built up in the foreground to meet it.

Reuben1210 · 19-05-2021 5:16pm

KrisW1001 wrote: »

The M50 carries about five times the traffic that this road does, so it needs full GSJs.

The junction types on this road are compact Grade-separated Junctions - they have much shorter on- and off- ramps, and that limits the amount of space dedicated to leaving and joining traffic on the mainline. They are grade-separated primarily to prevent right-turners blocking or conflicting with through-traffic. They're used where most of the movement is along the main road, with only small amount of traffic joining and leaving.

On the other hand, where the movements are evenly split between traffic staying on the road and traffic joining and leaving, then a large roundabout is a better use of the land and funds, and will make traffic flow better. That reason is stated in the text DumbBrunette posted. It's not an after-the-fact argument; it's sound engineering.

Just because it was wrong to put roundabouts on high-traffic roads, it does not mean it's wrong to use them on a scheme like this with less than 20k AADT. A full motorway/motorway junction would certainly improve traffic flow at these points (maybe shaving a whole 30 seconds off transit times through the junction), but it would do so at 5-10 times the cost of a roundabout while using much more land.

Thanks for this - Is there an argument at all in the context of this road that GSJ should be used instead of roundabouts to 'future proof' the road in the case of large economic activity and population increases in years to come?

DumbBrunette · 19-05-2021 7:24pm

Compact GSJs wouldn't achieve that, as they actually have a lower capacity than the 80 metre diameter roundabouts being used at Castlebar west and some of the other at grade junctions.

Of course, you could make an argument for motorway style freeflow junctions to be provided, but per the TII standards these are not supposed to be used on Type 2 DCs, and as stated above, they would be relatively expensive.

Reuben1210 wrote: »

Thanks for this - Is there an argument at all in the context of this road that GSJ should be used instead of roundabouts to 'future proof' the road in the case of large economic activity and population increases in years to come?

Reuben1210 · 19-05-2021 9:13pm

Sorry I maybe misunderstood the difference between a free-flow and a GSJ?

DumbBrunette · 19-05-2021 11:10pm

Not all GSJs are necessarily freeflow, for example the compact GSJs to be used on this scheme are similar to those at Claremorris, Knock and Charlestown, all of which have stop signs for traffic joining the mainline.

The old M50 junctions (prior to the upgrade 10 years ago) were also grade separated, but they weren't freeflow as traffic had to stop for roundabouts and traffic lights.

Reuben1210 wrote: »

Sorry I maybe misunderstood the difference between a free-flow and a GSJ?

Pete_Cavan · 20-05-2021 9:59am

I get the idea behind having a roundabouts at gateways into the major towns where "heavier turning movement flows are likely". What I dont get is why Castlebar west is considered to be the junction which requires the roundabout. Traffic coming from east or south of the town, likely to be the vast majority of the traffic, is going to use one of the other junctions. It is only really traffic coming from Westport which would use that western junction, and even then some of that will continue round to use one of the other junctions if travelling to the centre or eastern side of Castlebar.

veryangryman · 20-05-2021 2:20pm

Tullamore bypass is the perfect example of why roundabout junctions should be a nono for any road that goes anywhere near a large town. Can't ever get a straight run at it without being backed up on at least 2 of the roundabouts at any time of the day

N5 - Westport to Turlough [open to traffic]

Comments