Progress on N55 Ballinagh bypass

The public is being invited to participate in a consultation process to help identify any key issues or constraints that may affect the development of the proposed N55 Ballinagh bypass.

Cavan County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), are together progressing what is titled the N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme, aimed at addressing the numerous day-to-day operational and safety issues associated with this section of the national secondary road.

This project represents the final link in a series of upgrades to the N55 between Cavan Town and the Longford border.

Sweco Ireland Ltd has been appointed as technical advisor to investigate, develop, and assess route options for the scheme.

The project is currently at ‘Phase 2 – Options Selection’, which involves identifying potential route options and assessing environmental and physical constraints within the study area.

The first phase to consider ‘concept and feasibility’ has now ended. All feedback from this consultation will be considered as part of the Options Selection process.

The study area for the project commences approximately 2.5km south of the junction between the N55 and R154 Crossdoney - Kilnaleck road in the townland of Garrymore and extends to north of Cashel Cross, 2.5km north of the same junction in the townland of Cashel. In the early stages of the planning and design, consultants will be carrying out preliminary investigations to assess constraints in the area and to develop “potential route options”.

“All work will be non-intrusive and conducted with respect for landowners and property,” said a Sweco rep.

A spokesperson for Cavan County Council meanwhile acknowledged that the section through Ballinagh remains the “missing link” in the strategic corridor between Cavan Town and the Longford border.

“This section is substandard in terms of alignment and visibility. Despite this being a critical national secondary road, the N55 is subject to a stop controlled staggered T-junction, with the R154 having priority in the centre of Ballinagh,” they said.

“The town experiences high volumes of both local and through traffic, including a significant number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), contributing to congestion, safety concerns, and an unfriendly environment for vulnerable road users (VRUs).”

Submissions or observations can be made until September 30 by Email:info@sweco.ie, or by post to N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme Sweco Ireland Ltd. Glandore Business Centre, 3rd Floor, City Quarter, Lapp’s Quay, Cork, T12 Y3ET.