CONSULTANTS TO DESIGN N11 UPGRADE
CONSULTANT engineers Ove Arup & Partners have been appointed to progress an improvement scheme for the N11/M11 junction four to 13 improvement scheme.
The scheme is expected to see the road upgraded to three lanes, as recommended in a needs assessment report published in 2017.
Wicklow County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council made the announcement last week.
The scheme area is from where the M50 meets the N11 outside Shankill, as far south as Coynes Cross.
There are a number of phases involved, from concept and feasibility, through options selection, design, and statutory processes.
One of the first tasks to be undertaken is to carry out a public information day.
A location and exact date will be advertised in advance of this.
Deputy John Brady said that the appointment of consultants to start the design process is an important milestone.
Speaking after discussions with the National Roads Design Office, he said that a dedicated project website will be set up in the coming weeks to keep people informed.
‘It’s important that people engage at the early stages of the design process, and I urge people to attend the consultation day once the date is set,’ he said.
‘It is clear to everyone that we need urgent work to make the N11 efficient and effective. I will continue to work with Government colleagues to push this project forward and get shovels in the ground,’ said Minister Simon Harris.
‘It’s very good news to see progress on this much-needed project,’ said Cllr Jennifer Whitmore. ‘For anyone that travels on the N11, they know all too well the logjam that occurs at peak times every day, so news of a third lane is to be welcomed.’
However, she said that she believes that any third lane should focus on sustainable transport solutions and be assigned as a bus and car-pooling lane.
‘In order to make the N11 a more efficient road, I believe we also need to develop Park ’n Rides at junctions on the N11. I have spoken with Wicklow County Council about this approach and they are very supportive of it and have raised it with the National Transport Authority.’