A NEW road project earmarked for the busy Newlands Cross interchange will transform the lives of thousands of Southside motorists, it has been claimed.
After many delays, construction will begin on the project in the coming weeks, and will be completed in less than two years.
The project is being carried out as part of a package within the Arklow-Rathnew upgrade which is coming in at a total cost of
?¬282 million.
Deputy Robert Dowds (Lab) welcomed the announcement last week.
“I am very glad that the Government has signed the contract which will see Newlands Cross upgraded with a flyover,
? he said.
“The traffic at Newlands Cross has been causing delays to people in our community for many years, and I am glad to be able to say that thanks to this Government, we are going to put an end to that.
“This is a junction that has been causing severe traffic problems for the residents of Clondalkin, Saggart, Newcastle and Rathcoole over many years.
“With 80,000 vehicles going through the junction every day, this project will make a real difference to commuters and businesses within our community by putting an end to the gridlock around the intersection.
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The Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South West, Cait Keane, said the announcement will mean that a long overdue road project has been formally agreed.
“It is a major works programme that I had long campaigned for during my time serving as an elected member of South Dublin County Council,
? she said.
“I am pleased that it is now to become a reality. It will mean an enhanced transport network for road users and equally importantly, 1,000 much needed jobs will be created.
“It’s great to be able to confirm that all systems are go for the upgrading of Newlands Cross, and of the N11 between Rathnew and Arklow. These projects will make a huge difference to road users and will finally remove two bottlenecks that were not addressed during the boom.
“The N11 will improve safety standards the minute it’s opened, while the Newlands Cross fly-over will remove the last traffic light between Cork, Limerick and Waterford and the border.
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She added:
“I am delighted that the hard work of all those who worked on achieving this deal has paid off and I look forward to the completion of this scheme which will enhance national motorway connectivity.
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The Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the construction of a flyover at the Newlands Cross junction would fill a gap in Dublin’s road network.
“It is important that the significant upgrade of the Greater Dublin Area’s road network over the past decade is well-maintained,
? said Gina Quin, chief executive.
“The revamp of Newlands Cross will help realise the full potential of recent improvements that have taken place on the N7 and M50.
“Dublin’s commuters and supply network will now be able to reap the benefits of such large investment in our road network.
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