Dangerous potholes along N62 causing tyre blowouts

The N6 from Kinnegad to Athlone will be upgraded to motorway status on September 24 next, the NRA has confirmed this week. The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey signed off on the re-designation of nine current dual carriageways around the country to motorways on July 17 last. According to a spokesperson for the National Roads Authority all nine different sections of road around the country including the Kinnegad to Kilbeggan and Kilbeggan to Athlone sections of road will have a common change over date on September 24 next, instead of stretches of road changing to motorway on a piecemeal basis. In all, the motorway designation in the autumn will mean that motorists will now be able to travel all the way from Dublin to west of Athlone on 114 km of continuous motorway. In turn, that stretch will link in to the Athlone to Ballinasloe and the Galway to Ballinasloe roads currently under construction giving by 2010, a full motorway from Dublin to Galway. Signage work is set to be undertaken on the Kinnegad to Kilbeggan and Kilbeggan to Athlone stretches between now and September to indicate the imminent change from dual carriageway to motorway. Earlier this year the Department of Transport said in a public consultation leaflet that a motorway declaration on the N6 would enhance safety and operational efficiency on the route and would shorten journey times by motorists availing, as appropriate of the 120km per hour speed limit. The designation to motorway status will also serve to protect the route against inappropriate development, including multiple access points, which would have road safety implications and effect the efficiency and service life of the road. A NRA spokesperson said certain categories of road users are prohibited from using motorways like learner drivers, vehicles not exceeding 50cc in engine capacity, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles not capable of 50 kilometre per hour. These motorists will be catered for by the local/regional road network, including sections of the national road re-classified following the construction of the N6.