Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher Leas Cheann Comhairle recieved confirmation that a contractor is to be appointed to carry out the latest phase of upgrading of the N56 at Kilkenny-Maas-Letterilly.
This latest upgrade to the 3.6km roadway connecting Dungloe to Glenties is expected to cost an estimated €12million.
Deputy Gallagher said this is welcome news from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) and the works will significantly improve the travel time and journey on this particular road, which will be of huge benefit to the local communities and the region overall.
Deputy Gallagher confirmed that the N56 Dungloe to Glenties project is being developed in sections and this 3rd section of the N56 Dungloe to Glenties Scheme is 3.6km long road improvement project and is located on the N56 between approximately 5km north of Glenties to the recently finished Boyoughter to Kilkenny scheme south of Lettermacaward.
Pat the Cope said: “The existing road is narrow (approx. 5.5m, no shoulders/ verges) and the horizontal and vertical alignments are poor over the majority of this section. There is one regional and three local road junctions, all with restricted junction visibility.
“The improvements works are extremely necessary as the N56 services the entire west and southwest of Donegal therefore it is a road of strategic importance for the entire county.
“The N56 is a road which requires even further investment right throughout its entire route from Donegal Town right through to Letterkenny and it is critically important that Donegal County Council and the TII in place further plans for improving the N56 so that further progress can be made in improving the N56.”
Pat the Cope stated, “the planned improvement scheme covering from Kilkenny-Maas- Letterilly will involve widening and realignment to Type 3 Single Carriageway (6.0m Carriageway with 0.5m hard strips). The project also includes a cycle track for its full length. The scheme is 3.6km long and has an estimated completion cost of €12 million euro.
“The project will significantly improve the level of service for road users and is critical to delivering the tourism potential of the locality. It will also enhance accessibility to West Donegal including to the Regional Airport at Carrickfinn and Gaeltacht areas.
“The latest phase of the N56 improvement works from Kilkenny-Maas-Letterilly is expected to be complete in 18 months and the contractor is expected to be onsite before the end of 2017 based on the information supplied by TII,” concluded Pat the Cope.
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