N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass Opens

Today’s opening will free Ballaghaderreen town centre from unnecessary through traffic by removing approximately four thousand vehicles per day. As a result, it will enhance the living and working environments for residents, traders and visitors alike. This bypass will also improve road user safety and reduce journey times along the N5 corridor.

The N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass scheme forms part of the N5 National primary route which extends from the N59 in Westport to the N4 in Longford. The scheme is approximately 13.5km long, commences at the N5 Charlestown bypass, approximately 6km north west of Ballaghaderreen in the townland of Currinah, is crossed by the R293 Regional route approximately 2km north east of Ballaghaderreen at Tonroe and rejoins the existing N5 approximately 8km east of Ballaghaderreen in the townland of Rathkeery. This scheme is opening 3 months ahead of schedule and within budget.

Cormac O’Rourke, Chairman of National Roads Authority stated: “The N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass opening allows for the residents and businesses to reclaim their town centre by removing unnecessary through traffic. Additionally, this bypass is one more important step toward improving road user safety along the N5 corridor.”

Fred Barry, CEO of the National Roads Authority stated: “Today’s opening highlights the importance of delivering on the much needed improvements along the N5 corridor. We will continue to focus our resources on maintaining and improving the national road network throughout the country.”

Project Background

Employer: Roscommon County Council

Employer’s Representative Halcrow Barry Ltd.

Form of contract Design and Build

Conditions of Contract Public Works Contract for Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Contractor.

Time for Completion 116 Weeks (3 months ahead)

Contractor Wills Bros Ltd

Budget: The Total Scheme Budget for the scheme is €60 million (This includes all costs associated with the project including design costs land etc.)