Navan Inner Relief Road (Phase 2B) Opens
Two new roads opened today (15th May 2009) in county Meath will positively change the face of Navan by significantly easing traffic congestion in the busy Northeast town.
The Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., was in his own constituency this morning to officially open the Navan Inner Relief Road Phase 2B and to announce the opening, significantly ahead of schedule, of a link road to the future M3 motorway.
The Navan Inner Relief Road runs west of Navan Town and connects the N3 Kells Road to the N51 Athboy Road. The 1km project, which was constructed by Regan Civil Engineering Ltd, includes two railway bridges, one T- type junction and two roundabouts. The €15.628m scheme was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
The N51 Navan inner relief road will be complemented by an additional 4km of new road that has been provided as part of the M3 motorway project which is now at an advanced stage of construction. The new link road forms part of the N51 which connects the North and West of Navan to the Athboy Road Interchange on the M3.
Speaking today Minister Dempsey said:
"The benefits of the relief road for Navan will be significant. Over 7,000 vehicles will be rerouted away from the town centre onto the N51 from Delvin to Drogheda, with expected journey time savings along this route of up to 20 minutes at peak times.”
The Minster added:
“I am especially pleased to announce the opening of the new link road connecting the North and West of Navan to the future M3 Motorway Interchange on the Athboy Road. The link road is opening to traffic well ahead of the scheduled completion date of mid 2010 for the full M3 Motorway. It provides road users with a safer alternative to a section of the existing national secondary road running between Navan and Athboy.”
“By providing these two new stretches of road, we have achieved a number of important targets; improved road safety, improved access to Navan town and enhanced predictability of journey times.”
Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority (NRA), said:
“Access is the key to strong business and tourism sectors .Continued investment in transport infrastructure, even in these difficult times, is vital to our future competitiveness. As a busy centre of commerce and tourism Navan will directly benefit from the completion of these new roads by allowing for a more efficient distribution of national and regional traffic around the town.”
The NRA Chairman also said:
“It will create a safer and more pleasant environment for locals and visitors by removing traffic congestion from the town centre and industry and commerce will repeat the benefits with better transportation options.
The link to the M3 motorway is opening well ahead of schedule due to the excellent progress made by SIAC Ferrovial Agroman, the construction contractor for the M3 Motorway project. ”
For further information contact:
Sean O’Neill Head of Communications NRA
01 6660 2511 or 086 832 0600