It’s finally here, Newlands cross flyover is officially open

Bob Flavin

The flyover is three lanes each way and the RSA says it’s “future proof” but then so was the M50 when it opened. All eyes are on this bridge that will mean you can travel from Cork to Belfast without hitting a traffic light, tolls are a whole other matter.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe officially opened the Newlands cross flyover this afternoon as part of the €282m N7 Newlands Cross/ N11 Arklow to Rathnew Public Private Parnership (PPP) scheme.

Newlands Cross is one of the busiest junctions in the country as some 80,000 commuters use it daily and finally this Thursday the flyover will be open to traffic.

Minister Donohoe said: "The Newlands Cross junction upgrade is open before schedule and it's an exciting development for regular commuters, for motorists, for hauliers and for anyone who remembers the frustrating delays and frequent tailbacks that used to occur here at Newlands Cross."

The flyover is 670m long with three lanes on each side. The NRA says the road has been "future proofed" to allow for a Luas to pass under.

The works for local access will continue for another three months but the worst of the traffic will be crossing the bridge