Opening of the M9 Kilcullen to Carlow
The M9 Killcullen to Carlow motorway project was opened to traffic this afternoon, 10 months ahead of schedule and on budget.The 28kms motorway will provide a bypass of Castledermot, and will also provide a new national secondary road to Athy via the new junction at Mullamast.
Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority, said "The opening of the M9 Kilcullen to Carlow motorway is a vital link toward the ultimate goal of achieving motorway standard road from Waterford to Dublin.This early opening will assist both business and tourism along the entire route for easier access to Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford.Additionally, it will give the residents and businesses of Casltedermot an improved environment by eliminating unnecessary traffic congestion."
Welcoming the opening of this new stretch of road, Minister for Transport, Noel Dempey TD, said "The Kilcullen to Carlow scheme is the second section of new motorway to open along the new M9 route.It brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of having a motorway from Dublin to Waterford by linking the existing M7 to the new M9 Carlow bypass.I'm very pleased with the ongoing progress along the entire route and look forward to the official opening of this stretch of road in January 2010.
Given current wintry weather conditions, the Minister used the opportunity to once again highlight the road safety message to all road users.He said that in November, his Department had issued a circular, (as it does every year) reminding local authorities about the winter maintenance of regional and local roads.The Minister said: “The circular indicates to local authorities that an adequate level of winter maintenance should be undertaken in their areas and that special attention should be paid to heavily trafficked routes.”
The Minister continued: “Met Eireann has forecast wintry showers of sleet and snow to affect parts of the country into the early part of this week.Remember, widespread severe frosts can led to icy roads and it can take much longer to stop a vehicle.I urge all road users this Christmas to slow down, always wear a seatbelt, never ever drink and drive and allow a safe extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. “
The Minister concluded: “If the current trend continues, it looks like 2009 could be our safest year yet on Irish roads.I wish all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and their families a happy and safe Christmas on our roads.”
ENDS
Further information:
Department of Transport Press Office: (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.
The M9 Kilcullen to Carlow project will:
- Eliminate congestion in Castledermot
- Save approximately 15 minutes (or more) for average daily commuters
- Connect directly with the Carlow Bypass.
Overall this scheme is part of the M9 Major Inter-urban route between Dublin and Waterford and it is the second section of the new M9 to be completed.
The Carlow bypass was the first section which opened in May 2008. The two remaining sections to be completed are Carlow to Knocktopher and Knocktopher to Waterford. The entire M9 is on schedule to be finished by the end of 2010.