Mystery N3 bypass slick baffles council

The roads division of Cavan County Council has been left baffled by a stubborn, as-yet unidentified slippery chemical residue, which has appeared on the newly-opened Belturbet N3 bypass.
The chemical residue was first noted by the council in the hard shoulder and northbound carriageway, south of the Aghnaguig Bridge near Annagh, some days after opening of the section of road to traffic in December 2013.
Focused in the area of an 'expansion joint’ on the bridge, a spokesperson for the local authority told The Anglo-Celt that the council have tried a number of measures to clear this unknown substance from the road.
“Cavan County Council is presently investigating the source and identity of this residue. Cavan County Council has taken the precaution of applying oil absorbant material to the area and erecting advisory signage for motorists,” explained the spokesperson.
The council is now investigating the identity and source of this mystery substance, the permanent treatment of which can only be determined once the identity and source is known.
“On conclusion of our investigations a permanent treatment of this residue will be applied. For the intervening period, Cavan County Council requests that all motorists heed the advisory signage and drive appropriately in this area,” said the spokesperson.

Latest problem
It’s the latest problem to blight the €61 million, 6.7km road project, opened on August last year. The road was beset by major delays to opening by environmental difficulties during construction. A further débâcle ensued over signage on the Belturbet N3 bypass where the sign highlighting 'Erne Hill’, placed at the Drumalure junction became a bone of contention with Belturbet traders who felt the town was being overlooked.
This has since been replaced with a sign that reads 'Old Belturbet Road’.