Now that we have seen the first part (M1 to N2) of the northern section roadwork prep completed - loosing hard shoulder in the process.
It looks like same is about to happen on the souther end of the M50.
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/Roads/M50_SpeedLimit.htm
Change of Speed Limit on M50 from Junction 14 (Leopardstown Interchange)
to the County boundary with South Dublin County Council
Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the powers vested under Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 and in the interests of Road Safety, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council propose to apply a Road Works Speed Limit Order of 60km/h as follows:
On the M50 motorway, from border with South Dublin County to Junction 14 (Leopardstown Interchange)to the County boundary with South Dublin County Council.
The speed limit reduction is to facilitate the safe construction works associated with the Upgrade Project – Contract No. 2 (the widening of M50).
The speed limit of 60km/h shall apply for a period of 8 months from 18th February, 2008 to 17th October, 2008.
I've also noticed on M50 south from the Firhouse exit they have started closing the hard shoulder to remove the cateye reflector thingies.
I can only hope they won't do anything before the Phase I mainline has been opened for 3 lanes... Otherwise only 6km of the 32 km from M1 to past exit 14 will have a hard shoulder for broken down cars/trucks/dead horses, etc.
Any word when the roadworks on northern section is about to start...
http://www.m50concession.ie/ is still under construction, just like the M50 itself.