Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

M6 - Kilbeggan to Athlone

«13456789

Comments

  • #2
    JupiterKid
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 12,887 Mod ✭✭✭✭JupiterKid


    There is a thread about this road in the Commuting and Transport section. Judging from the progress on the route so far, I'd say the first section might be open by April/May 2008 with the entire route later in the summer.

    The end of 2007 is wildly optimistic unless you plan on using an off road 4x4.:D


  • #3
    larchill
    Registered Users Posts: 371 ✭✭larchill


    According to the NRA the M6 to Athlone doesn't complete until Q4/2008. See link ...

    http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/WestmeathCountyCouncil/N6KinnegadAthloneKMA/SchemeName,10328,en.html


  • #4
    Gonzo
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 16,960 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzo


    isnt this just a dual carriageway rather than a motorway? will it still be called the N6?


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Gonzo wrote:
    isnt this just a dual carriageway rather than a motorway? will it still be called the N6?

    There are plans to upgrade "windowdress" most of the new dual carriageways to motorways, they are already built to motorway standards.

    There is a thread here


  • #6
    fitzyshea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭fitzyshea


    All of the interurban routes (ie: N6 N9 N3 N4 N8) are to be upgraded to Motorway status. Legislation has been passed to do this I think. If not will be in new dail session.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Tea drinker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭Tea drinker


    Whats it got to do with the dail? Are they making the signs out the back?
    Or just covering them with red tape?


  • #8
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    The relevant legislation is the Roads Act 2007 which recieved assent on 7th June. It allows those dual carrigeways which are built to motorway standard (so called High Quality Dual Carriageways or HQDCs) to be upgraded to motorway status. The National Roads Authority will need to propose the upgrading of a particular section, at which point the Minister will need to publish details of the plans and undertake a consultation process. If he then decides to go ahead with the upgrade, an order can be signed to make the road a motorway. Obviously it is then up to the council to erect the appropiate signs (Motorway Ahead and Start/End of Motorway Regulations signs) and swap all white-on-green/black-on-white signage for white-on-blue signs.

    Its intended to apply mainly to schemes on the N6, N7, N8, and N9, although it main also be applied to certain sections on the N11, N18, N20, and N25 (along with the Galway-Tuam section of the N17???). The roads need to be of the same standard as current motorways and not have any private accesses or minor exits on them.

    Things have gone awfully quiet on this front, incidently, since Noel Dempsey took over....


  • #9
    fitzyshea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭fitzyshea


    icdg wrote:
    The relevant legislation is the Roads Act 2007 which recieved assent on 7th June. It allows those dual carrigeways which are built to motorway standard (so called High Quality Dual Carriageways or HQDCs) to be upgraded to motorway status. The National Roads Authority will need to propose the upgrading of a particular section, at which point the Minister will need to publish details of the plans and undertake a consultation process. If he then decides to go ahead with the upgrade, an order can be signed to make the road a motorway. Obviously it is then up to the council to erect the appropiate signs (Motorway Ahead and Start/End of Motorway Regulations signs) and swap all white-on-green/black-on-white signage for white-on-blue signs.

    Its intended to apply mainly to schemes on the N6, N7, N8, and N9, although it main also be applied to certain sections on the N11, N18, N20, and N25 (along with the Galway-Tuam section of the N17???). The roads need to be of the same standard as current motorways and not have any private accesses or minor exits on them.

    Things have gone awfully quiet on this front, incidently, since Noel Dempsey took over....

    Noel Dempsey says he will get it through the Dáil asap!:rolleyes: and its a priority for him!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:


  • #10
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Hmm, he ought to know that it IS through the Dáil! It is the law of the land now, so what now needs to happen is the NRA to start proposing roads to reclassify....


  • #11
    Stark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,034 ✭✭✭✭Stark


    icdg wrote:
    Hmm, he ought to know that it IS through the Dáil! It is the law of the land now, so what now needs to happen is the NRA to start proposing roads to reclassify....

    Best to hold off for a bit while we issue more speeding fines on the new N6 HQDC. I've never seen a road so well covered by speed traps.


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Stark wrote:
    Best to hold off for a bit while we issue more speeding fines on the new N6 HQDC. I've never seen a road so well covered by speed traps.

    Is it that time of the month already.

    So far I've not seen any traps recently on that road, probably won't pay for the overtime :rolleyes:


  • #13
    spacetweek
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 5,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭spacetweek


    It's imperative that the NRA get these reclassifications in before the roads are completed and the N-signage erected, or otherwise we'll waste millions on green signs that we end up using for about 6 months.

    NRA, get the finger out!


  • #14
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    From what I can see from the old road, some sections look almost complete, other sections have at least six months work to do.

    Having said that, they will soon be erecting signs at the Athlone & Moate junctons.

    There may already be signs on the Moate - Tullamore road at the new junction with the M/N6.


  • #15
    soloeffort
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24 ✭soloeffort


    Any one got any update on when the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone road is going to completed/opened? They look to be making good progress in some parts and other parts look well off bring finished.


  • #16
    AM
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭AM


    soloeffort wrote: »
    Any one got any update on when the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone road is going to completed/opened? They look to be making good progress in some parts and other parts look well off bring finished.

    AA Roadwatch has some news about the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone roadworks at the Athlone interchange. It should be in use by November.

    An engineer working on the N6 says it should be complete by March 2008. This was a guess but it was an educated one.


  • #17
    blast05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 256 ✭✭blast05


    East flowing traffic now uses the interchange at the Dublin end of the Athlone by-pass.
    End of March is the current date, 14 out of 17 major bridge structures 100% complete


  • #18
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    spacetweek wrote: »
    It's imperative that the NRA get these reclassifications in before the roads are completed and the N-signage erected, or otherwise we'll waste millions on green signs that we end up using for about 6 months.

    NRA, get the finger out!


    The signs at the new Kilmartin junction (behind blanking sheets) westbound are green for the N6 Athlone bypass, there are none erected eastbound yet.


  • #19
    tubos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭tubos


    The signs on the n2 ashbourne road are green but the speed limit is 120kmh so the road will probably remain the 'n6' but the speed limit should increase to 120kmh. I don't think it can become the m6 because of something to do with the width of the divide between the two carriageways. Or am I talking through my arse here?


  • #20
    Stark
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,034 ✭✭✭✭Stark


    tubos wrote:
    I don't think it can become the m6 because of something to do with the width of the divide between the two carriageways. Or am I talking through my arse here?

    I don't think the divide between the carriageways is the issue. The concrete barrier should be enough to avoid crossovers. Physically, all the new HQDCs are being built to motorway specs.

    Previously you needed to get a Motorway order in order to build a motorway in Ireland, which is probably why most of the new roads are 'N' to avoid the bureaucratic process. However, it's much easier to make a road 'M' these days, so hopefully that should happen when they eventually get the finger out.


  • #21
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    blast05 wrote: »
    East flowing traffic now uses the interchange at the Dublin end of the Athlone by-pass.

    West-bound traffic now using part of the new road via two short contraflow sections.


  • Advertisement
  • #22
    Saruman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,389 ✭✭✭✭Saruman


    Stark wrote: »
    Best to hold off for a bit while we issue more speeding fines on the new N6 HQDC. I've never seen a road so well covered by speed traps.
    Weird i have rarely seen ony on the N6 between Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge. Saw a garda car on the Rochfortbridge flyover once but im not sure he was checking speeds, i was over the limit but he did not come after me as i passed him on the bridge.. although he did start moving. I think he headed towards Rhode or maybe back on to the motorway in the Athlone direction because someone was going faster than me... not sure...


  • #23
    prendy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,321 ✭✭✭prendy


    The signs on the n2 ashbourne road are green but the speed limit is 120kmh so the road will probably remain the 'n6' but the speed limit should increase to 120kmh. I don't think it can become the m6 because of something to do with the width of the divide between the two carriageways. Or am I talking through my arse here?


    motorways dont allow tractors on them so the farmers whos land the road goes thru wouldnt be able to use the road...AFAIK it'l remain a national route till they sort that issue out.


  • #24
    ardmacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,476 ✭✭✭ardmacha


    motorways dont allow tractors on them so the farmers whos land the road goes thru wouldnt be able to use the road...AFAIK it'l remain a national route till they sort that issue out.

    What sorting out is required, you can only join the road at exits on HQDC in any case. Perhaps they shouldn't ban tractors but place a minimum 70kph limit on the road.


  • #25
    spacetweek
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 5,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭spacetweek


    prendy wrote: »
    motorways dont allow tractors on them so the farmers whos land the road goes thru wouldnt be able to use the road...AFAIK it'l remain a national route till they sort that issue out.

    Correct, the main issue isn't anything to do with speed limits, central divider width etc. it's all to do with the issue of access to certain vehicles.

    Most of the routes being built at the moment were put past the locals by assuring the farmers that they'd be allowed access to the new roads to reduce farm severance. This was a ridiculous idea that was never gonna fly, and it was inevitable that the gov would revisit the issue. It now seems they will with the announcement recently that all these new roads would be reclassified motorways, which will mean the end of tractors.

    I know it's crafty to dodge local opposition by promising access that was never actually going to be allowed, but here we are. IT'S THE 21ST CENTURY PEOPLE!


  • #26
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    tubos wrote: »
    The signs on the n2 ashbourne road are green but the speed limit is 120kmh so the road will probably remain the 'n6' but the speed limit should increase to 120kmh. I don't think it can become the m6 because of something to do with the width of the divide between the two carriageways. Or am I talking through my arse here?

    No issue with the N6. Many UK and European motorways (not to mention the M50 once its' finished, or the M8 for that matter) have only a barrier between the carriageways. If an order under the Roads Act 2007 is made, it can be a motorway.

    There is, incidentally, an issue with the N2, which relates to two things - the lack of an alternative route between J1-J2, and the rather dodgey minor exit on the northbound carriageway between same which would not be of motorway standard. Hence the 120kph speed limit but no motorway status.


  • #27
    Pittabang
    Registered Users Posts: 55 ✭✭Pittabang


    So is there any advance on a firmer completion date for the Kilbeggan to Athlone road? I heard last week that it is getting opened in 2 sections. Kilbeggan to maote first and then Moate to Athlone later- anyone confirm?:eek:


  • #28
    blast05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 256 ✭✭blast05


    anyone confirm?

    Haven't heard but sounds reasonable given that the Kilbeggan to Moate section has had all bridges finished for a couple of months now while Athlone to Moate is still a month or 2 away from all bridges being completely finished.
    Of course the Kilbeggan to Moate section would not take Moate out of the question just yet !


  • #29
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The local papers were speculating about the whole secton being opened in April, no mention of it being split.
    Kilbeggan is not really a bottleneck as such when compared to Moate, but having said that I'm sure residants would welcome an earlier opening of "their" bypass.


  • #30
    soloeffort
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24 ✭soloeffort


    just heard that Moate will be bypassed by April. But not all the motorway will be opened. any one heard anything different?


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    To open the section that bypasses moate they first have to finish the overbridge between Athlone & Moate, that has some way to go.
    The section between Moate & kilbeggan appears more complete, this could open earlier but not bypass Moate.

    All should be open late April according to local press.


  • #32
    Tea drinker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭Tea drinker


    Yep, I was passing that way this week. The overpass bridge was covered by guys, it looked more like pyramid building technique.
    But there is still a huge amount of work to be done on the road, I don't hink 6 months will do it. Maybe.


  • #33
    blast05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 256 ✭✭blast05


    Westmeath Independent had it a few weeks ago that the Moate to Athlone section would be handed over to the council by April. This was based on the builder having already given this committment to Westmeath co co about 3 weeks ago. There was no mention of the Kilbeggan to Moate section although this is definitely further progressed than Athlone to Moate.
    Its hard to know exactly how much of the road between Moate and Athlone is complete but i am fairly sure the final layers have been applied to the section from the start of the Moate to Athlone section as far as the overpass bridge. I guess we have to take the builders for what they said


  • #34
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Tea drinker wrote: »
    Yep, I was passing that way this week. The overpass bridge was covered by guys, it looked more like pyramid building technique.
    But there is still a huge amount of work to be done on the road, I don't hink 6 months will do it. Maybe.
    Went past a couple of days ago (in daylight for a change) and the deck appears complete except for railings, if that is the case then we can expect it to be in use during February as all that is needed now is the road surface. Also noticed that one of the side roads (just west of the overpass bridge) is now diverted under one of the new bridges.


  • #35
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Just noticed that some of the new signs erected on the Athlone - Kilbeggan section are blue so at least this section will open as motorway.


  • #36
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Now that is interesting - this road is not being built under an MO so does someone in Westmeath CC know something about the motorway reclassification process that we don't...


  • Advertisement
  • #37
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    It'll be interesting to see when they upgrade the Kilbeggan - Kinnegad section. The Athlone bypass itself has new green signs - so it appears that this section will remain non-motorway.


  • #38
    Pittabang
    Registered Users Posts: 55 ✭✭Pittabang


    I know it's not been to long but has anyone heard anything more on this?:confused:


  • #39
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    No new news on the opening date, but the junction at the Athlone end is now complete.


  • #40
    Pittabang
    Registered Users Posts: 55 ✭✭Pittabang


    I was just on dublin to Galway route today and I rekon no wa ythe road is open by April, underneath the bridge outside of Moate is just a mudpile - not nearly a road and further to Athlone there are a few random bridges in fields :D. surely End of April is a pipe dream -thoughts?


  • #41
    blast05
    Closed Accounts Posts: 256 ✭✭blast05


    Pittabang wrote: »
    I was just on dublin to Galway route today and I rekon no wa ythe road is open by April, underneath the bridge outside of Moate is just a mudpile - not nearly a road and further to Athlone there are a few random bridges in fields :D. surely End of April is a pipe dream -thoughts?


    Well the builder has already committed to April as the handover date to the council for the Moate to Athlone section. Pretty much all the way from east of the flyover bridge close to Moate all the way to Kilbeggan is a long way towards completion. The only main section that hasn't at least the base layer of tarmac is from the flyover bridge close to Moate to about a mile east of there and that is understandable as there is a huge amount of fill making up the re-route around the flyover bridge that has to go somewhere. There is also 1 or 2 other sections from there to Athlone that don't yet have the base layer.


  • Advertisement
  • #42
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Pittabang wrote: »
    I was just on dublin to Galway route today and I rekon no wa ythe road is open by April, underneath the bridge outside of Moate is just a mudpile - not nearly a road and further to Athlone there are a few random bridges in fields :D. surely End of April is a pipe dream -thoughts?

    Sure!! a bit of pixie dust and "ping" it's ready for April 1st.
    If you throw enough resources at it it's still possible! :eek:

    EDIT: The weather hasn't helped! but having said that, the original completion date was end 2008.


  • #43
    AM
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭AM


    Pittabang wrote: »
    I was just on dublin to Galway route today and I rekon no wa ythe road is open by April, underneath the bridge outside of Moate is just a mudpile - not nearly a road and further to Athlone there are a few random bridges in fields :D. surely End of April is a pipe dream -thoughts?

    I think it's just about possible. Once all the structures are complete, and they nearly are, the road laying itself should be done quickly.

    The builders start at 7am and they stop at 6pm. There's even a weekend crew although there don't seem to be too many working on Sunday.

    As someone who moved to Moate a year ago, I'll be delighted to see the bypass open. I reckon it'll save me at least 20 minutes each way. Thats quality lie-in time!


  • #44
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Just seen this weeks "Westmeath Independant" It has reported that the new road is expected to open in August/September :(
    But look on the bright side, it was originally planned to open in October :rolleyes:


  • #45
    Pittabang
    Registered Users Posts: 55 ✭✭Pittabang


    That is shocking bad news for me- you have no idea. I travel through Moate 4 times every second weekend and I really can't bear it. I was al set to be bypassing from end of April- I am devestated:(:(:(


  • #46
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I know the feeling. The (long way round) alternative route is via Mullingar then Athlone via Ballymore.


  • #47
    AM
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭AM


    Deleted User wrote: »
    I know the feeling. The (long way round) alternative route is via Mullingar then Athlone via Ballymore.
    Pittabang wrote: »
    That is shocking bad news for me- you have no idea. I travel through Moate 4 times every second weekend and I really can't bear it. I was al set to be bypassing from end of April- I am devestated

    Living in Moate, I know exactly how you feel!

    If you need a shortcut, there's an unclassified road just north of Moate that runs parallel to the town. From the Athlone side, you can reach it if you go via Mount Temple or the first left turn in Moate (Windmill Road). It's at an old crossroads (Killachonna) 1 mile from Moate where the main flow is now west/south. You need to take the east road, follow it for about a mile until you reach another cross roads. Go right (south) and you'll reach the Dublin side of Moate. You can take a left in the town to reach the N6 at Bart's shop. Check the route on http://maps.google.com. Search for moate, ireland.

    The road is narrow and twisty but it's far shorter than the atrocious Farnagh alternative south of Moate. On a non-icy winters day it's ok to drive on because other drivers have their lights on and there's not much foliage obstructing your view.


  • #48
    Saruman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,389 ✭✭✭✭Saruman


    I saw this on a map once, tried it and ended up in Athlone. I did not end up back on the N6 though, so somewhere i took a wrong turn or missed a turn.. anyway i was going to Athlone but i ended up taking the back roads all the way from Moate to get there :D


  • #49
    Pittabang
    Registered Users Posts: 55 ✭✭Pittabang


    Thanks for ths shortcut tip. I had previously taken the one south of Moate through Tober(Tubber) butthe road is far too narrow and feckin Vans were using it. I'd rather sit in the traffice than ditch my car every few yards to let oncoming cars pass. Is the north road wider than this ?
    God I sound like an explorer :D:D:D


  • #50
    AM
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭AM


    Pittabang wrote: »
    Thanks for ths shortcut tip. I had previously taken the one south of Moate through Tober(Tubber) butthe road is far too narrow and feckin Vans were using it. I'd rather sit in the traffice than ditch my car every few yards to let oncoming cars pass. Is the north road wider than this ?
    God I sound like an explorer :D:D:D

    I hate to disappoint you but it's as narrow as the southern road. :(

    However it's much shorter and has only one dodgy stretch. Traffic is lighter on it than the southern back road. I'd quite often meet no other cars when forced to use it.

    It's useful if the tailback through Moate is particularly bad.


  • #51
    ga2re2t
    Closed Accounts Posts: 134 ✭✭ga2re2t


    I suppose if you're going from west of Ballinasloe to Dublin (or vice versa) you could always go through Shannonbridge and then Clara or Tullamore. Quite a lot is bog road but it's quite and you can easily do 70 or 80 km/h most of the way. Check it out here:
    Google maps - alternative route

    Also, for those sad people (like me) who just can't get enough of maps, here is the proposed N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone route on Google Maps:
    N6 - Kilbeggan to Athlone.
    While drawing this I noticed that I could not understand the justification for junction 7.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement