M6 Galway to Ballinasloe Opens Today
The M6 Galway to Ballinasloe motorway project was officially opened today (18/12/2009) by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, TD. The 56kms motorway opened 4 months ahead of schedule and is on budget. The opening of this section of the M6 completes the Dublin to Galway inter-urban route as outlined in Transport21.
The scheme runs from the outskirts of Galway city to Athenry where it crosses the Galway/Dublin rail line, the Graigabbey River and the Athenry/Limerick rail line. The route then continues southeast to Carrowkeel junction from where the Loughrea link road proceeds south to the Loughrea Bypass. From Carrowkeel junction, the route continues northeast to the proposed Toll Plaza located near Cappataggle. The route then passes north of Aughrim village, continuing east again over the River Suck where ties into the existing M6 east of Ballinasloe. The town that will be bypassed are Ballinasloe, Aughrim, Killreekill, Loughea, Craughwell, and Oranmore
The scheme will:
- Complete the Dublin to Galway inter-urban route
- Reduce travel times from Galway to Ballinasloe by 25minutes
- Increase road safety for drivers
- Improve traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion
- Act as a stimulus for commercial and tourist activity
- Improve internal road infrastructure between and with the regions
Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, TD said
"A major milestone has been reached today, not only for the residents and business throughout the Galway and Ballinasloe region, but for the entire country. You can now travel safely from Dublin to Galway on motorway standard road. It is the delivery of this key commitment, outlined under Transport21, which allows for a motorway to connect the east (Dublin) to the west (Galway). Today's opening represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, it will offer significant benefits for the entire Western region.''
Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority, said
"The opening of the M6 Galway to Ballinalsoe motorway is an historic event because this is the first Major Inter-Urban corridor connecting city to city. From Galway to Dublin we now have motorway/dual carriageway for 194km. The benefits from a road safety standpoint and improved quality of life will be felt by all the residents of the cities, towns, and villages along the entire route. It is great to see first hand this Government’s plan to invest and improve road infrastructure, under Transport 21, come to fruition. Just think, you will now be able to travel from the M50 to Galway city in approximately two hours. It is fantastic for business, tourism and all road users."
