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Killaloe Bypass/Shannon Bridge Crossing/R494 Upgrade

The proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill. The entire scheme is approximately 6.2km and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River (a tributary of the River Shannon and part of the Lower River Shannon SAC) on the R494. 

Project Drone Footage October 2023


Project Description

The proposed scheme has been broken down into three sections as follows:

  • Killaloe Bypass: This part of the scheme aims to create a western bypass around the town of Killaloe which will connect the R463 to the north of town with the proposed Shannon Bridge Crossing section and R463 to the south of the town.
  • Shannon Bridge Crossing: This section of the scheme will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will connect the proposed Killaloe Bypass with the R494.
  • R494 Upgrade: This section will involve widening, regrading and local realignment of the R494 from its junction with the R496 and proposed Shannon Bridge Crossing south of Ballina, as far as the junction with the R445 (previously known as N7) north of Birdhill.

Current Update October 2023

Despite the recent extreme weather events (Storm Agnes and Storm Babet) work is progressing well.  There has been unavoidable programme slippage but every endeavour  will be made to recover time.

Shannon Bridge Crossing

Instream Section

Centre Pier: Pier bathtub has been installed and de-watering activities are in progress.

East Pier 2: Pier riser is in progress.

West Pier 2: Pile cap reinforcement is being installed.

Tipperary Side (Eastern Embankment)

East Pier 1: Nearing completion.

East Abutment : Constructed.

Clare Side (Western Embankment)

West Abutment: Constructed.

West Pier 1: Diaphragm in progress.

R494

The  R494 is closed until 18.00 hours on Friday 3rd May 2024. This closure is to facilitate the construction of the new CIE Railway Bridge. The road will be closed to through-traffic but access will be maintained for residents and local businesses. Please refer to Traffic Management tab for more information regarding diversion routes etc.

Long-term traffic management arrangements will remain in place along two sections of the R494 to facilitate road construction and Accommodation Works.

Pavement laying activities are due to commence this week (week ending 27th October 2023).

CIE/IE Railway Bridge

Bridge demolished.  Piled foundations and substructure slabs to replacement bridge are complete. Earthwork retaining structures to both abutments are in progress.

Kilmastulla Bridge

Edge beams are in progress.

Accommodation Works

New boundary walls etc are progressing well.

Killaloe Bypass/Shannon Bridge Link

Temporary traffic management arrangements continue to be in place at Shantraud. Please refer to Traffic Management tab for more information.

The main Cutting is almost complete.  Fill make-up to Kincora is nearing completion.

Surface water drainage and service duct installation continues along the length of the Bypass.

Services and drainage at junctions of Bypass with Hill Road and Creeveroe Road are installed.

Note:

  • All vessel operators are requested to pay attention to navigational buoys in the vicinity (upstream & downstream) of the works zone and to give a wide berth to marine plant associated with the works. We further request that all vessels proceed with extreme caution if in the vicinity of the works zone. 
  • Project Temporary Traffic Management arrangements can also be found on the Map Alerter app. https://www.mapalerter.com/
  • The Sisk Emergency Site Contact Number (out of hours) is: 087-6414583 should there be any issues that require attention.

Clare County Council greatly appreciates the ongoing support and co-operation from all members of the public who are impacted by the works. We acknowledge and apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to assure you that we are endeavoring to do everything possible to minimize disruption and delays.

 

Traffic Management Arrangements - Tipperary

Notice 1 - Road Closure R494 - August 2023 to May 2024

Notice 2 - TM on R494 at Knockadromin -January 2023 to November 2023

Notice 3 - TM on R494 at Roolagh Ch 0100 to Ch 0600 Phase 1 and 2 Works from April 2023 to December 2023

Traffic Management Arrangements - Clare

Notice 4 - Construction Plant Crossing Point - March 2023 to October 2023

Notice 5 - Lane Realignment on R463 at Shantraud Mid-July 2023 to November 2023 

Project Flythrough Animation


Below is the flythrough video generated from BIM  (Building Information Model) of the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Upgrade.

Page last reviewed: 25/10/23

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