Delays, confusion in major junction change on the N3

THE new roundabout and stretch of roadway on the N3, linking the Black Bull (Fairyhouse Cross) and Clonee, has led to confusion, congestion and delays, according to commuters.

Traffic travelling from Kells, Ratoath and Trim into Dublin on the N3 have been using the new stretch of road for the past week, since the opening of new four-kilometre route, which will allow M3 motorway construction works to get underway properly in the area.

The road features a new roundabout at the junction of the Trim and Fairyhouse Roads. When the new motorway opens in 2010, this link road, running parallel with the M3, will provide an alternative route for traffic that doesn't want to use the new motorway.

Colr Nick Killian said that there had been a lot of confusion and delays since the opening of the new road. "There have been a lot of complaints and I have been in contact with the Road Design Office asking them to alleviate some of the delays and confusion, particularly in the early mornings and the evenings," he said.

Colr Killian said that, for motorists travelling out of Dublin, there had been a lot of confusion. "There is a ramp up to the roundabout, where you have to turn right for Ratoath and left for Navan and this is causing a lot of delays and confusion," he said.

Colr Killian pointed out that there were tailbacks morning and evenings on the new road. However, he said that people would have to be patient. "The building of the M3 is a huge project and it will be of great benefit," he added.

Colr Noel Leonard concurred that there had been a lot of complaints from motorists from Dunboyne who no longer had a merging lane when wanting to turn left for Navan. "They have to wait right on the verge and this is causing a lot of delays. There are also tailbacks on the Ratoath side," he said.

Colr Leonard said there had to be teething problems, but he was sure they would be sorted out and the M3 would be a huge benefit to the area.

Motorists travelling from Trim to Dublin are much happier, however. Colr Jimmy Fegan said that commuters were delighted as they no longer had to take their life in their hands getting out from the Trim road onto the N3 at Fairyhouse Cross.

"It used to be like Russian Roulette, trying to get out onto the road, but now the traffic is getting out in amore orderly fashion," he said.

He acknowledged there was confusion for traffic coming from Dublin, wishing to turn onto the Trim road as signposting was inadequate. "You can easily miss the exit for Trim and better signage is needed," he said.

Construction of the M3 is ahead of schedule and more than 30 per cent of the motorway is already completed.