Work begins on Knockroe bend

ROAD works recently began on what is considered one of the most dangerous bends in the country.

In January 2018 Transport Infrastructure Ireland announced €2.5 million would be provided for Knockroe Bend Realignment Scheme in an effort to make the N81 safer for road users.

A contract was signed with Clonmel Enterprises by Wicklow County Council in September of this year. The Realignment Scheme involves the upgrade of the N81 National Secondary Road at Knockroe Bend over approximately one kilometre.

Cllr Gerry O’Neill, the Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, has welcomed the progress which has already taken place.

‘ This is an extremely dangerous bend and there have been a lot of accidents on that stretch down through the years. Councillors have been looking for some kind of safety or improvement works for some time. It’s hoped the works will be complete within twelve months. There may be slight disruptions to motorists but these works will make the road so much safer,’ said Cllr O’Neill.

In 2012, the National Roads Association (NRA) rated Knockroe Bend as the most dangerous in the county and one of the most perilous stretches of roads in Ireland.

The bend is situated on the N81 approximately 800m south of Hollywood Cross (Junction of N81 and R756) and approximately 11km south of Blessington between two sections of relatively good alignment and has been the scene of numerous collisions.

The scheme has been prepared to improve road standards, to implement an improvement in the road safety performance of this section of the N81 and reduce the occurrence of collisions by realigning and widening the road at this location.

Site supervision of the main works contract is being provided by RPS Consulting Engineers.

Cllr Edward Timmins is pleased that significant progress has already taken place.

‘ Things have been progressing well. It will certainly help with the safety of the N81 and in cutting down the amount of accidents at that location. It’s by far the worst bend on the N81.’

A special speed limit order is in place while the works take place. Sixty kilometres per hour shall be the road works speed limit on the Blessington to Baltinglass Road (N81) from south of its junction with Hollywood Cross and on a section of the Dragoon Hill/Conlans Hill Road.