The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed news that the M11 Arklow to Rathnew is to open shortly, saying the inclusion of a proposed service area on the northbound stretch of road will ensure that drivers can travel more safely along this stretch, having a place to rest and recuperate along the way.
The scheme, which has seen the National Roads Authority and Wicklow County Council working with BAM PPP (BAM Civil & PGGM Infrastructure Cooperatie) commenced construction on the 16.5km stretch of road in June 2013. It is scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
“The M11/N11 is a strategic link in the national road network between Dublin and Rosslare. The new schemewill be a non-tolled Public Private Partnership and will connect the existing M11 Arklow Bypass with the existing M11 Rathnew/Ashford Bypass. This will create 90km of motorway/dual carriageway from Dublin to Gorey. This project will also include the construction of a service area on the M11 northbound side only, just north of Gorey, with direct access via a flyover from the M11 southbound. This will significantly improve journeys for motorists and ensure that they have access to the facilities they need to rest when needed to ensure that that they can arrive alive.
“The existing N11 between Rathnew and Arklow is currently single carriageway with a narrow cross section, poor overtaking opportunities and no hard shoulder over the northern half. There is a wider cross section again with limited safe overtaking opportunities over the southern half. The route does not have a good road safety record, making the opening of this new scheme absolutely essential. The proposed Gorey North Service Area will provide fuel and facilities on a 24 hour basis and is scheduled to be opened by the end of the 2015. This will assist the road safety campaign put forward by the Road Safety Authority and contribute to a reduction of driver fatigue and accidents on the national primary road. Facilities will also be provided for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) drivers to park up and take their required resting periods, enhancing safety on our roads for all users. I look forward to the imminent opening of this section of road in the coming weeks and to the difference it will make to drivers in the years to come.”
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