New year start for bridge over the Blackwater

Work on the new bridge over the Blackwater in Navan, which will connect the Windtown Road and Clonmagadden with the Kells Road is expected to start in the first quarter of next year.

The new road, which is expected to take 18 months to complete will provide an alternative route and new bridge into the town and it will also allow for further development in north Navan, where lands are already zoned. It will bring a major relief to motorists, who have endured twenty years of traffic congestion in the area.

At a meeting of Navan Municipal District Council last week, Cllr Francis Deane asked; “When is work due to commence on the link Road from Rothaldron L3049 to the roundabout on Kells Road R147?” He was told advanced works contracts are currently underway on the scheme and draft procurement documents for the main construction contract are currently being finalised.

The meeting heard it is expected the scheme will go to tender this year, with construction expected to commence in late quarter one of 2023.

The work is expected to take 18 months to complete. The distributor road will encroach on Blackwater Park, shaving two hectares off the edge of the amenity and will continue through the site of the former Agriculture Department offices to the existing roundabout on the Kells Road.

Three potential route corridors for the proposed new road were considered in recent years.

The planned route will open up pedestrian and cycling access to Blackwater Park from the centre of the town. Plans include replacing the existing roundabout with a four armed signal controlled junction. The new roadway will run 40metres away from the circular walkway in Blackwater Park and there will be landscaping.

At the moment, the only route into Navan from the North of the town is via the inner relief road, linking the Round O with the fire station and a route which us currently a nightmare in the mornings, with lengthy tailbacks on the Rathaldron Road, as well as the Proudstown and Slane roads.

The road has been identified in the Navan Development Plan for many years. The new bridge will bring welcome relief to the residents of North Navan.

At the moment, the only route into Navan from the north of the town is via the inner relief road, linking the Round O with the fire station.