UPDATES ON THE NEW ROSS AND GOREY TO ENNISCORTHY BYPASSES Fine weather helps progress

SIGNIFICANT progress has been made over the past few weeks on the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass, according to contractors BAM and Dragados.

The multi-million euro project has been aided significantly by the fine weather, the contractors say, and the progress is visible at a number of locations around Enniscorthy.

A total of five roads have already been diverted through alternative routes as major works take place at Rockspring, Knockrathkyle and Scurlockbush, Monart and Killaligan to allow the construction of new bridges which will pass over the motorway once built.

The road at Rockspring had been due to re-open sooner, but BAM said: ‘Due to unforseen circumstances, the reopening of the road is postponed for August 28. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.’

Conscious of disruption to locals, however, BAM has set a goal of re-opening most of the roads mentioned above by early September. Further roads will have to be diverted at this time though, as they target having most of the structure work completed by early 2018.

Work is currently under way on a total of 15 bridges. For the bridge over the railway line at Ballygullen, the abutments are now complete and contractors are prepared to install the beams of the deck over the existing railway line.

In agreement with Irish Rail, these works will take place at night while there is no traffic on the line.

Similarly, works for the Bridge at the Slaney River and adjoining railway line have advanced with columns for the two abutments and two intermediate piers cast.

Meanwhile, the steel beams of the bridge have been fabricated in Tomelloso, Spain, and are expected to arrive through Waterford port any day now. When installed, the three span bridge will measure roughly 154m and will be crossing over the iver Slaney and railway line. Work is also due to commence shortly on the installation of 10 new flood relief culvert arches on the west side of the river.

The scale of this project is now fully evident as you can see clearly the sheer amount of earth that has been moved at various locations around the edge of town. Just out past The Still, an area that was previously quiet is now unrecognisable as heavy duty machinery moves back and forwards across the road carry huge loads of earth.

Large machinery can be seen trundling back and forth across quite a few rural roads, but the progress is evident to see and the contractors will be keen to get as much work done as possible before the weather changes and they are met with more challenging conditions.