Motorists using the dual carriageway from Junction 11, Coosan, to Junction 9, Garrycastle can expect traffic delays for the next three months as works recommence this week.
Councillors were briefed on the details of phase two of the Athlone Relief Road works at this week’s monthly meeting of Athlone Town Council.
The on and off ramps at Junction 11 will be closed for a five-day period between February 13 and 26.
Following this, on and off ramps at Junction 9, Garrycastle, will be closed for a five-week period between Monday February 27 and Sunday April 22.
After this Junction 10, Ballymahon Road will also see a closure for some 10 days.
Diversions will be in place during these roadworks, and the diversions, planned to be removed by the start of May, will be signposted. Maps with diversion routes will also be available.
Town engineer, Alan Kelly explained to councillors that there will be meetings with the contractor and gardaí to ensure minimal disruption during the roadworks.
It is hoped that the Garrycastle junction works will take less the five weeks, although all the on and off ramps will have to be closed at the same time due to safety concerns.
Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran aired concerns over traffic management at Coosan, where current roadworks have narrowed the road considerably. He also questioned the need for the total closure of on and off ramps at Garrycastle. “There are big employers out that side of town, with Ericssons, AIT, and the IDA. I want to see a traffic management plan for the roundabout at the N6 Centre. There’s going to be blue murder out there with the closing of these exits and the narrowing of the Garrycastle flyover,” he added.
Mayor of Athlone, Cllr Alan Shaw suggested that motorists give themselves additional time on journeys, especially on Monday February 13 and Monday February 27 when roadworks would be commencing.
Mr Kelly recommended that motorists log on to the town council website to see detailed maps of diversions. “People need to leave extra time until they get used to diversions. We will be working closely with the contractor to get work done as soon as possible.”
For more information on road closures and diversions log on to www.athlone.ie
