The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Council set to consign dangerous mid-Kerry bends to history as scheme progresses
THE €10million Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme is to advance to its next phase this week in great news for mid-Kerry motorists sick and tired of the treacherous stretch.Progress was flagged this week in the closing of tenders for archaeological testing and the project’s resolution contract.
The scheme provides for a new 3.5-kilometre section on the N70 between Milltown and Killorglin as well as the realignment of a number of dangerous bends along a stretch of road previously marked by the National Roads Authority as one of the most dangerous in the country.
The Council said this week that it anticipates the tender for the main contract will be published before September, with archaeological test trenching scheduled for August and September.
‘Unfortunately, this section of road has been the site of a number of accidents over the years, and I am delighted that a new road is now being provided,” Councillor Michael O’Shea said during what was one of his final acts as Kerry County Council Cathaoirleach.
“Councillors and Council management will pursuing the government and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the required funding and I look forward to further progress on this important scheme at the earliest opportunity.
“This will greatly improve safety for all road users and will improve journey times for those travelling between north and south Kerry.
Over 6,500 vehicles will be using the new road.”
Planning approval was granted by Kerry County Council (KCC) in 2014 after a period of public consultation, and a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was confirmed in June of last year after five objections were withdrawn prior to the commencement of a Bord Pleanála oral hearing on the purchase orders.
The project affects some 25 landowners, and the Council said good progress is being made with the land acquisition agreements.
KCC added that final design and tender documents are near completion, with construction -- expected to begin in 2018 -- to take place over a period of about 15 months.