THE estimated 16,000 motorists who daily travel the Ballysimon interchange, are facing the inconvenience of six months of stop/go systems, temporary traffic lights and roundabouts, starting from next Monday.
Motorists availing of access to and from the N7 and N20 slip roads, will also be affected.
The improvement scheme is to cost in the region of €2 million, and comprises an upgrade of the existing grade-separated junction to ultimately increase capacity and reduce delays.
Included is the relining of approx 2km of the existing N24 and R527 pavement width to provide four lanes and a turning lane at the centre of the bridge, widening of the northbound M7 off-ramp to facilitate a free-flow slip lane, a roundabout at the junction of the N24 and L1171 Old Ballysimon Road and various other minor ancillary works.
Ciaran Hegarty, senior executive engineer at the Mid West National Roads Design Office, told the Limerick Post that an estimated 35,000 vehicles use the motorway each day and a further average of 16,000 travel the N24 on a daily basis.
“This road has now become one of the main junctions coming into Limerick city, so it’s important that the work is carried out,” Mr. Hegarty continued.
“The money is all coming from the NRA as the work falls under the category of improvement of a national road.
“It will require the use of traffic lights and travelling on the hard shoulder at times, but it will be done in stages so that no diversion will be needed and will result in relining and the addition of an extra lane.
“A small roundabout will be added at Morrison’s pub for the duration, to ease the process.
“That is the nature of roadworks, there are temporary inconveniences to achieve an ultimate goal”.
Local councillor Michael Sheahan, said that the work will make the stretch at Morrison’s easier and safer for motorists.
“I just hope that the deadline of six months is met”.
