N5 - Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge [underway]

joujoujou · 02-07-2020 12:58pm

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have very strong feeling N5 Charlestown bypass was finished well before 2011. :rolleyes:

RedDevil55 · 02-07-2020 1:16pm

joujoujou wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have very strong feeling N5 Charlestown bypass was finished well before 2011. :rolleyes:

Marno said 3/16 projects since 2011 were on n5.

Ballaghaderreen bypass, Longford bypass and Westport-Turlough scheme.

Cosmo Kramer · 02-07-2020 1:17pm

joujoujou wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have very strong feeling N5 Charlestown bypass was finished well before 2011. :rolleyes:

You are correct. The three schemes are Ballaghaderreen, Longford and Westport to Castlebar East (no idea why that scheme is still called Westport to Turlough, it no longer extends anywhere near Turlough after the ABP decision five or six years ago).

marno21 · 02-07-2020 1:19pm

My apologies.

Since 2011:

2 built (Longford/Ballaghaderreen) out of 13

1 under construction (Westport-Castlebar) out of 3.

1 through planning from scratch (Ballaghderreen-Scramoge). Unsure of how many here because some were brought through planning during those years and are now under construction. There is a dearth of schemes in this category outstanding, just this and the M28 (in appeal) are with planning and not under construction or near it (Dunkettle).

The N5 did get priority during the Kenny/Ring years. That's not to say the N5 is not deserving of funding or should not be upgraded. However the nations roads in general were neglected during this time and the N5 did receive preferential treatment. I fully agree that the this scheme and the M4 Mullingar-Longford scheme go ahead but there needs to be better equality geographically in terms of capital roads investment.

marno21 · 02-07-2020 1:20pm

Cosmo Kramer wrote: »

You are correct. The three schemes are Ballaghaderreen, Longford and Westport to Castlebar East (no idea why that scheme is still called Westport to Turlough, it no longer extends anywhere near Turlough after the ABP decision five or six years ago).

It's just name inheritence as that's how it was filed with ABP and appeared in most literature. A few places have correctly referred to it as the N5 Westport-Castlebar East scheme since the DC retrofitting to Turlough was dropped.

02-07-2020 3:35pm

marno21 wrote: »

My apologies.

Since 2011:

2 built (Longford/Ballaghaderreen) out of 13

1 under construction (Westport-Castlebar) out of 3.

1 through planning from scratch (Ballaghderreen-Scramoge). Unsure of how many here because some were brought through planning during those years and are now under construction. There is a dearth of schemes in this category outstanding, just this and the M28 (in appeal) are with planning and not under construction or near it (Dunkettle).

The N5 did get priority during the Kenny/Ring years. That's not to say the N5 is not deserving of funding or should not be upgraded. However the nations roads in general were neglected during this time and the N5 did receive preferential treatment. I fully agree that the this scheme and the M4 Mullingar-Longford scheme go ahead but there needs to be better equality geographically in terms of capital roads investment.

Simple reason for that, there is no motorway network north of south Galway and west of Mullingar.

This regions roads needed to be improved and are still in a terrible state. The N5 is the wests main artery to Dublin, it should of been upgraded 20 years ago. Our nearest intersection with a motorway is east of Mullingar :eek:

Saying that it got preferential treatment is totally false. The motorway network in the South and east and mid west were finished, then this one road got improvements to sections of a single lane road. We were very last on the list for road improvements. It got to the point that companies were refusing to transport product due to the state of the N5. This is not something most of the rest of the country have to even consider.

RedDevil55 · 02-07-2020 7:13pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Simple reason for that, there is no motorway network north of south Galway and west of Mullingar.

This regions roads needed to be improved and are still in a terrible state. The N5 is the wests main artery to Dublin, it should of been upgraded 20 years ago. Our nearest intersection with a motorway is east of Mullingar :eek:

Saying that it got preferential treatment is totally false. The motorway network in the South and east and mid west were finished, then this one road got improvements to sections of a single lane road. We were very last on the list for road improvements. It got to the point that companies were refusing to transport product due to the state of the N5. This is not something most of the rest of the country have to even consider.

In fairness, traffic numbers on the N5 don't justify a motorway. What it needs is a consistent high quality road from Longford to Westport which should exist in a few years time.

Presuming Cloongullane bridge is completed too, we will also have a decent road from Ballina to Dublin.

02-07-2020 8:02pm

RedDevil55 wrote: »

In fairness, traffic numbers on the N5 don't justify a motorway. What it needs is a consistent high quality road from Longford to Westport which should exist in a few years time.

Presuming Cloongullane bridge is completed too, we will also have a decent road from Ballina to Dublin.

Agreed, then the goat track from Knock - Collooney needs attention.

02-07-2020 8:27pm

To be specific, it's the main road to Castlebar, Westport and (indirectly) Ballina, and their surrounding regions, (Achill, Erris etc). For someone from Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Ballindine and South Mayo generally, the M17 and M6 are now the main roads to Dublin.

It's also interesting to see how Roscommon Co. Co. has proceeded so rapidly with this scheme since planning permission was granted in late January last year. In circa 18 months it has passed all stages to reach final tender stage, then presumably approval from government, contracts signed and construction starts.

I find it interesting from a strategic and economic point of view because this road doesn't really benefit or serve Roscommon at all. Boyle is just off the N4, South Roscommon is served by the M6 and Roscommon and Castlerea (via the N60 link) use the N61 and ultimately the M6 as well. The population density along the Roscommon section of the N5 is very low and only serves one town worth talking about (Ballaghaderreen), that is itself quite small even by West of Ireland standards.

Aa someone who's from Roscommon, I feel safety has been the overriding concern regarding this route for Roscommon Co Co for years now, and indeed for locals in general. When planning for this project started, there were 5 primary schools located right on this road, with very little scope for improved safety measures. Tibohine NS was included in the Ballaghaderreen bypass, Rathcroghan NS, which was in a particularly dangerous location right alongside the road, has since closed. Three schools remain, however: Frenchpark NS, Ballinagare NS and Tulsk NS. Road safety for these schools is a regular feature in local media. Add to this the Russian roulette that is the N5/N61 cross at Tulsk, the N5/R361 junction at Frenchpark and Scramogue Cross, plus the poor safety record and number of fatalities, and I can see from a safety perspective alone: this road can't come soon enough.

Which brings me to my final point. The only way to win over the Greens on any future road projects like the N5 will be safety. Safety for vulnerable road users, safety for pupils and safety for residents/businesses. It's a complete PR/communications strategy that one might look at cynically but if it achieves its aim of segregating traffic, improving efficiency and reducing deaths and accidents, I think it's a strategy worth pursuing.

DumbBrunette · 02-07-2020 9:17pm

Great post ^^^

Agreed that safety is the main issue here. The road will save 5 or 10 mins but that's a secondary benefit!

Btw if you live in or near the mini metropolis of Elphin, this road will be life changing

HabibiLibneni wrote: »

To be specific, it's the main road to Castlebar, Westport and (indirectly) Ballina, and their surrounding regions, (Achill, Erris etc). For someone from Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Ballindine and South Mayo generally, the M17 and M6 are now the main roads to Dublin.

It's also interesting to see how Roscommon Co. Co. has proceeded so rapidly with this scheme since planning permission was granted in late January last year. In circa 18 months it has passed all stages to reach final tender stage, then presumably approval from government, contracts signed and construction starts.

I find it interesting from a strategic and economic point of view because this road doesn't really benefit or serve Roscommon at all. Boyle is just off the N4, South Roscommon is served by the M6 and Roscommon and Castlerea (via the N60 link) use the N61 and ultimately the M6 as well. The population density along the Roscommon section of the N5 is very low and only serves one town worth talking about (Ballaghaderreen), that is itself quite small even by West of Ireland standards.

Aa someone who's from Roscommon, I feel safety has been the overriding concern regarding this route for Roscommon Co Co for years now, and indeed for locals in general. When planning for this project started, there were 5 primary schools located right on this road, with very little scope for improved safety measures. Tibohine NS was included in the Ballaghaderreen bypass, Rathcroghan NS, which was in a particularly dangerous location right alongside the road, has since closed. Three schools remain, however: Frenchpark NS, Ballinagare NS and Tulsk NS. Road safety for these schools is a regular feature in local media. Add to this the Russian roulette that is the N5/N61 cross at Tulsk, the N5/R361 junction at Frenchpark and Scramogue Cross, plus the poor safety record and number of fatalities, and I can see from a safety perspective alone: this road can't come soon enough.

Which brings me to my final point. The only way to win over the Greens on any future road projects like the N5 will be safety. Safety for vulnerable road users, safety for pupils and safety for residents/businesses. It's a complete PR/communications strategy that one might look at cynically but if it achieves its aim of segregating traffic, improving efficiency and reducing deaths and accidents, I think it's a strategy worth pursuing.

theoneeyedman · 03-07-2020 8:11am

Good post alright, but the absolute horlix they made at the Scramog turn off on the recent 'safety' upgrade wouldn't fill you with confidence. It's more dangerous now than it was.

Covieland · 23-07-2020 9:07am

Progress on N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project

PROGRESS is being made on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project, with the main construction design and build contract documents currently being finalised.

Deputy Michael Ring said it is anticipated that the main construction design and build documents will be issued to the candidates meeting the minimum pre-qualification criteria shortly.

Meanwhile, advance works on the project are progressing, including archaeological works, ground investigation, topographical surveys, fencing and hedgerow removal and service diversion works.

The acquisition of lands/properties for the scheme is also being progressed by Roscommon County Council.

Said Deputy Ring: “This project has an estimated total investment cost of circa €200 million. The project received planning approval in May 2019.

“I am pleased to see the upgrade of this section of the road of the N5 is continuing. The money which is there for this project is ring-fenced

Couldn't post link as I'm a new user so copy and paste job, it's from the Connaught telegraph

joujoujou · 24-07-2020 7:56am

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2020/07/22/progress-on-n5-ballaghaderreen-to-scramoge-road-project/

spacetweek · 24-07-2020 9:12am

Wow they’re nearly at tender. That’s great!

Cosmo Kramer · 24-07-2020 11:48am

Assuming that Michael Ring is correct and the money is ring fenced for this (i.e. out of reach of the Greens) is the first half of 2021 still a likely date for construction work to commence?

DumbBrunette · 24-07-2020 12:30pm

I think so yes. By way of comparison, for N5WTT the final tenders went out in January and contracts were signed in October, a gap of nine months.

However, at some point later this year when the preferred tenderer has been selected, Eamon Ryan will have to bring this to Cabinet for approval. He'll probably be off sick that day ðŸ˜

Cosmo Kramer wrote: »

Assuming that Michael Ring is correct and the money is ring fenced for this (i.e. out of reach of the Greens) is the first half of 2021 still a likely date for construction work to commence?

Geuze · 27-07-2020 11:35pm

This is a big scheme.

I am correct to say that after it's built, there will be good road, i.e. with hard shoulder, all the way from Longford bypass to Castlebar?

Cosmo Kramer · 28-07-2020 12:20am

Geuze wrote: »

This is a big scheme.

I am correct to say that after it's built, there will be good road, i.e. with hard shoulder, all the way from Longford bypass to Castlebar?

Almost, yes, and on to Westport with a dual carriageway. The only exception will be the village of Termonbarry where the road crosses the Shannon, all traffic will still go through the village and can sometimes be stopped to allow the bridge to be raised for passing boats.

user1842 · 28-07-2020 8:20am

Cosmo Kramer wrote: »

Almost, yes, and on to Westport with a dual carriageway. The only exception will be the village of Termonbarry where the road crosses the Shannon, all traffic will still go through the village and can sometimes be stopped to allow the bridge to be raised for passing boats.

What is left is to fix the N26 to Ballina (a poor road). No need for a new road for the N26, an good in-line upgrade would do.

riddlinrussell · 28-07-2020 10:19am

Cosmo Kramer wrote: »

Almost, yes, and on to Westport with a dual carriageway. The only exception will be the village of Termonbarry where the road crosses the Shannon, all traffic will still go through the village and can sometimes be stopped to allow the bridge to be raised for passing boats.

Is there any proposed 'long-finger' plan for Termonbarry? Looks like you would have to shift the road a reasonable bit either direction to get a clear crossing point?

veryangryman · 28-07-2020 10:31am

Whats the plan at Tulsk where that dreadful crossroads still exists for 2 major National route. Will this get sorted or is N61 traffic still screwed?

BelfastVanMan · 28-07-2020 11:30am

veryangryman wrote: »

Whats the plan at Tulsk where that dreadful crossroads still exists for 2 major National route. Will this get sorted or is N61 traffic still screwed?

I'd like to think the N61 will take priority at this junction.

riddlinrussell · 28-07-2020 11:52am

BelfastVanMan wrote: »

I'd like to think the N61 will take priority at this junction.

The N5 here will become a considerably more minor road surely? Would be only paint and signs needing changed to rectify?

BelfastVanMan · 28-07-2020 12:24pm

riddlinrussell wrote: »

The N5 here will become a considerably more minor road surely? Would be only paint and signs needing changed to rectify?

In theory, yes.

DumbBrunette · 28-07-2020 1:58pm

There is a separate scheme for the N61 through and south of Tulsk, which should improve the junction.

veryangryman wrote: »

Whats the plan at Tulsk where that dreadful crossroads still exists for 2 major National route. Will this get sorted or is N61 traffic still screwed?

Chris_5339762 · 28-07-2020 9:15pm

riddlinrussell wrote: »

Is there any proposed 'long-finger' plan for Termonbarry? Looks like you would have to shift the road a reasonable bit either direction to get a clear crossing point?

I'd say it'd be very long-fingered sadly. While it would be nice, the Shannon crossing would make it very expensive for what will probably be little benefit. In terms of Cost-Benefit it would be way down the list.

road_high · 28-07-2020 9:18pm

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

I'd say it'd be very long-fingered sadly. While it would be nice, the Shannon crossing would make it very expensive for what will probably be little benefit. In terms of Cost-Benefit it would be way down the list.

Good road either side of it, it’s a tiny hamlet and not a bottleneck. Definitely not a priority if ever

riddlinrussell · 29-07-2020 1:40pm

Grand, I was more curious if it was a problem area and/or had a plan to eventually bypass it, seems not!

Truckermal · 29-07-2020 3:18pm

road_high wrote: »

Good road either side of it, it’s a tiny hamlet and not a bottleneck. Definitely not a priority if ever

I always stop there for a break especially Keenans for the Dinner it's top class...

mayo.mick · 29-07-2020 3:49pm

Truckermal wrote: »

I always stop there for a break especially Keenans for the Dinner it's top class...

+1 for Keenan's!

SouthWesterly · 29-07-2020 3:51pm

Not been there in years but it's a quiet enough place even on a busy day. A bypass will kill it completely

DumbBrunette · 29-07-2020 5:59pm

The only possiblity of a bypass here in the medium term is if the Mullingar to Roosky scheme includes a link road to the N5 west of the Shannon. It's very unlikely given the cost benefit ratio of a new bridge as other posters said.

riddlinrussell wrote: »

Grand, I was more curious if it was a problem area and/or had a plan to eventually bypass it, seems not!

marno21 · 30-07-2020 11:40pm

Tender out for a proof topographical survey

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/171221/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

01-08-2020 12:43am

veryangryman wrote: »

Whats the plan at Tulsk where that dreadful crossroads still exists for 2 major National route. Will this get sorted or is N61 traffic still screwed?

This is in this week's Roscommon Herald. I don't know how she didn't notice the stop signs.

DumbBrunette · 10-10-2020 4:08pm

Tenders are back, still on course for starting early next year. Fingers crossed, it's a desperate stretch of road currently.

https://westernpeople.ie/2020/10/10/key-road-link-to-the-west-takes-a-major-step-closer-to-reality/#.X4HNC7fTWyU

Aontachtoir · 10-10-2020 7:36pm

DumbBrunette wrote: »

Tenders are back, still on course for starting early next year. Fingers crossed, it's a desperate stretch of road currently.

https://westernpeople.ie/2020/10/10/key-road-link-to-the-west-takes-a-major-step-closer-to-reality/#.X4HNC7fTWyU

Great news! This is really steaming along.

Paddico · 16-10-2020 1:09pm

Anyone know why this is not a 2x2 road when the Turlough to Westport section is

newtown13 · 16-10-2020 1:13pm

Very little traffic on the Roscommon section. therefore its not needed

theoneeyedman · 22-10-2020 1:40pm

newtown13 wrote: »

Very little traffic on the Roscommon section. therefore its not needed

Young man killed on this stretch this morning sadly, can't come quick enough ðŸ˜”

01-11-2020 9:11pm

https://www.shannonside.ie/news/local/roscommon/contract-34-km-stretch-will-bypass-towns-villages-n5-will-soon-awarded/

On the job · 08-11-2020 1:21pm

Is it this week they will be announcing who has got the contract for the job .

20-11-2020 8:01pm

It looks like it will start early next year now.

DumbBrunette · 02-12-2020 2:45pm

Latest update, planned to start in Q2:

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2020/12/02/further-boost-for-mayos-main-traffic-route-to-dublin/

sonnyblack · 03-12-2020 5:49pm

What is the status of the Mayo Dublin route when this scheme is completed? Is the route generally to a modern standard or are there any more sub-standard sections?

user1842 · 03-12-2020 6:07pm

sonnyblack wrote: »

What is the status of the Mayo Dublin route when this scheme is completed? Is the route generally to a modern standard or are there any more sub-standard sections?

Only N26 left to be done then.

marno21 · 03-12-2020 6:19pm

sonnyblack wrote: »

What is the status of the Mayo Dublin route when this scheme is completed? Is the route generally to a modern standard or are there any more sub-standard sections?

Dual carriageway between Mullingar and the start of the N5 at Longford is on the cards. There’s also a suspended scheme to dual part of the N5 between Castlebar and the N26 turnoff but this isn’t regarded as urgent by TII as it’s already wide single.

In real terms, when the Mullingar-Longford section is complete the route will be practically complete.

23-12-2020 9:57pm

22 million allocated to this for 2021.

15-01-2021 5:54pm

https://roscommonherald.ie/2021/01/09/confusion-over-funding-as-n5-bypass-contract-not-yet-signed/

There's neither rhyme nor reason to this explanation. The 22 million allocation cannot possibly apply to the M6 and N4 maintenance plus the N5.

DumbBrunette · 15-01-2021 8:10pm

He's clueless. All he has to do is look at the allocations. 22 million of the total 29 million allocated to Co Roscommon this year is for the new N5.

The stupidity of local councillors in Ireland never ceases to amaze

Edit: Even worse, he's actually a senator

HabibiLibneni wrote: »

https://roscommonherald.ie/2021/01/09/confusion-over-funding-as-n5-bypass-contract-not-yet-signed/

There's neither rhyme nor reason to this explanation. The 22 million allocation cannot possibly apply to the M6 and N4 maintenance plus the N5.

16-01-2021 1:23am

He was a FF TD in the last Dáil. ðŸ™ˆ He lost his seat to SF.

N5 - Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge [underway]

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