By Kim O'Leary
As major works get underway on the M7 motorway over the next few months, a Kildare TD is urging motorists to be cautious when travelling in the area with the works having started on Saturday.
In a Facebook post, Fianna Fail Kildare South TD Fiona O'Loughlin said: "Please remember that the M7 road works commenced this weekend and will mean that you should allow extra time for travel for the coming months. These road works will have long-term benefits for commuters and will reduce traffic congestion at busy periods. Please be safe on the roads."
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The road works will see two lanes widened into three lanes on the M7 over the next two years, and a special speed limit will apply to commuters during the works on the north and southbound routes.
The limit, which is currently 120km/hr could be dropped to as low as 80km/hr. The M7 carries approximately 70,000 vehicles per day and it is also the main network connection to the M9 to Waterford and the M8 to Cork.
The contract for the work, due to be completed in 2020, was awarded to SIAC/Colas JV in September of this year and it will be one of the most significant schemes contained in the Government's Building on Recovery Programme.
- Traffic management will be in place along the M7 from Junction 9 (Big Ball) to Junction 11 M7/M9 at various phases during the term of construction.
- Two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times between peak commuter times between 6am and 10pm.
- For the duration of active construction works, there will be a special speed limit in place.
- An emergency lane will be available through the works at all times.
- Also included in the overall M7 project will be a new Sallins By-Pass and an Osberstown Interchange.
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