Athlone bypass will not be part of motorway upgrade

The Athlone bypass will not be upgraded to motorway status, despite government plans to open a complete Galway to Dublin motorway by 2010. A spokesperson for the National Roads Authority has confirmed to the Westmeath Independent that the Athlone bypass, which was opened in 1991, will remain a national primary route, with a speed limit of 100km per hour. From September 24, the newly-opened Athlone to Kilbeggan bypass and the Kilbeggan to Kinnegad section of the N6, will be upgraded to motorway status. This will mean that around 110km of road from Dublin to the east side of Athlone will be continuous motorway with a speed limit of 120km per hour and will cut journey times to Dublin by around 30 to 40 minutes. It will form part of the Galway to Dublin motorway which is due to be completed in 2010. The construction of the Ballinasloe to Galway route is currently underway. That the Athlone bypass will remain a national primary route with a 100km per hour speed limit, will be welcome news for the thousands of learner drivers in Athlone because by law, learner drivers are not allowed to drive on motorways. Meanwhile, motorists have to watch their speed while driving on the old N6, as there"s now an 80km per hour speed limit. The Fardrum to Kilbeggan section has been reclassified as a regional road since the opening of the bypass in July. Continued on Page 3