Cone away at last... Navan-Dublin road works in final stages of construction

There is good news for Navan motorists and commuters at last as the final stages of construction on the Martha’s Bridge to Circular Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme, which caused major traffic disruption in Navan over the past few months, is underway.

Over the coming weeks, the contractor will be finishing up the project, which caused huge frustration for motorists, along the R147 Dublin Road in Navan.

Traffic management measures remain in place throughout sections of the scheme area to facilitate the safe completion of the remaining works.

“Most of the heavy work has been completed and we can expect a small level of disruption on the final phases of the project. By and large the R147 has returned to normal service and what’s left to deliver is cosmetic infrastructure such as public seating, bicycle racks, landscaping and public realm features,” said Cllr Eddie Fennessy.

“The finished road will be a welcome place for all, pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike, and that can only be welcomed.”

The contractor will be completing outstanding footpath and cycleway works, installing road markings and traffic signage, completing landscaping and public realm features and the final surfacing tie-ins at selected locations.

The installation of street furniture installations, including benches, cycle parking and litter bins will also be completed.

Testing and commissioning of traffic signals and public lighting infrastructure will also be carried out.

Significant progress on the scheme, which is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been made in recent weeks.

Meath County Council says the majority of the carriageway resurfacing works have now been completed, including the completion of several phases of night-time working.

New footpaths, cycle tracks, drainage infrastructure, public lighting, bus stop facilities, traffic signal upgrades and landscaping elements have also been substantially progressed throughout the scheme area.

Works are continuing at a number of locations to complete final kerbing, footway finishes, road markings, street furniture and associated tie-in works.

Localised lane restrictions and temporary pedestrian diversions may be required from time to time.

Pedestrian access will continue to be maintained at all times, with clearly signed diversion routes provided where necessary.

Bus stop facilities will be retained where possible throughout the remaining construction works. Where necessary, temporary bus stop locations will be provided to facilitate the safe completion of the scheme, and any changes will be communicated in advance.

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to exercise caution while travelling through the works area and to follow all temporary signage in place.

The council advises that the programme outlined is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions, supply chain constraints, or other unforeseen circumstances. Any significant changes will be communicated in advance.

Cllr Fennessy said; “There’s much to welcome on this project, I am very happy with the decision to include bus shelters at the Ardboyne Hotel that will serve the 109 routes. Lots of students and workers use the 109 service, they’ll be thankful when the winter rain makes an appearance.

“I also welcome the completion of another section of the Navan cycle scheme. We’ve been making slow progress on that network to date. However, this section will serve as an important link to opening up additional routes going forward.”