The longest 2+1 road type in Ireland to open today Monday, November 5th
5th November 2007
At 16km in length the N2 Clontibret to Castleblayney project is the longest 2+1 road type to be constructed in Ireland.
The N2 Clontibret to Castleblayney project is opening on schedule and within its budget at €115 million. The N2 is the main arterial route from Dublin to Derry, Donegal and the northwest and the section from Ardee to north of Emyvale.
This scheme provides a bypass of the town of Castleblayney and the village of Clontibret and runs between the townland of Moy Otra at the northern end to the townland of Drumcrew at the southern end of the scheme.
A 2+1 road it consists of two lanes in one direction of travel and one lane in the opposite direction. The two-lane section, which provides the overtaking opportunity, alternates with a one-lane section at intervals of 2km. While this road type is relatively new to Ireland, Sweden has now 1500 km of 2+1 road type.
“The 2+1 road type offers a strong safety benefit along with reducing driver frustration by allowing for safe overtaking opportunities”, said Fred Barry, CEO National Roads Authority.
Additional Background
An Operational Safety and Monitoring Review of the N20 Mallow Rathduff 2+1 pilot project has taken place. A final report highlighted several positive issues regarding the scheme one-year after its introduction, namely:
· The total lack of head-on and overtaking accidents.
· The emergency services have indicated a positive attitude to the scheme.
· Five months after the N20 Mallow Rathduff 2+1 was complete, an independent public attitude survey was conducted, its findings concluded that drivers have becoming more accustomed to the scheme and are appreciating the benefits that it gave to their trip.