THE M11 ROAD has officially been opened, after two years of construction.
Work began on the project began in June 2013 and cost about €282 million. The 16.5km non-tolled dual carriageway connects Arklow and Rathnew in Co Wicklow.
It creates 90km of motorway or dual carriageway between Dublin and Gorey in Co Wexford and is part of a 280km continuous motorway or dual carriageway between Clogh in Wexford and Belfast.
As a result, travel times will be significantly reduced.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin officially opened the new stretch of road today, seven weeks ahead of schedule.
“The project also includes the construction of a much-needed service area at Gorey, which will provide 24-hour access to the rest and recuperation facilities that road users need when travelling along this stretch,” Donohoe said.
Howlin added it “will significantly improve the safety of this stretch of road” and “boost the economic capacity of counties Wicklow and Wexford”.
The project was overseen by the National Roads Authority (NRA), Wicklow County Council and civil engineers BAM.
Fred Barry, CEO of the NRA, said: “Replacing this section of the N11 between Arklow and Rathnew, which is known for its notorious bends, with a modern motorway will offer clear safety benefits for all road users which is good news and to be welcomed.”
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