LAST UPDATE | 6 hrs ago

A SECTION OF the M50 has reopened after it was closed earlier today following a serious crash.

Motorists are experiencing significant delays in Dublin following the incident in which a motorcyclist was killed this morning. 

The M50 Northbound between J7 Lucan and J6 Blanchardstown has since reopened.

“The M50 NB at J7 has reopened after a major incident,” TII posted on X.

Traffic is very heavy in the area, please plan accordingly. Expect delays on the approach and in the surrounding area.

“The M50 will reopen momentarily and we anticipate traffic will begin to move gradually,” gardaí posted earlier.

We understand the frustration but all road traffic collisions must be forensically examined for the purpose of investigation. Please drive safely on your onwards journey, thank you.

Vehicles earlier had to reroute off the motorway following the closure. This is causing significant congestion across Palmerstown, Chapelizod and further west.

Traffic is heavy on the Chapelizod Bypass coming off the M50:

Traffic is building at the Chapelizod bypass coming off the M50.

The M50 Northbound is closed between junction 7 Lucan and junction 6 Blanchardstown following a serious collision. pic.twitter.com/FXnzjUS2fH

— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) May 17, 2024

The closure appears to be having a knock-on effect across the city, with heavier than usual congestion in many areas. AA Roadwatch said that as a result of the traffic, its teams are delayed in assisting breakdowns.

Gardaí said to expect traffic into the evening, with Dublin Airport passengers advised to plan accordingly. 

We remain at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the M50.

Delays are expected to continue this afternoon and into this evening.

We ask motorists to take alternative routes if possible.

Your patience and understanding is appreciated. https://t.co/HZaQ7mydCH

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) May 17, 2024

Dublin Airport has also advised people travelling to the airport to use public transport.

“As a result of the ongoing closure of the M50 and heavy traffic around Dublin, there is a shortage of taxis at the airport this afternoon. Passengers are advised to consider using one of the many bus routes servicing the airport,” the airport posted on X.

Meanwhile, TII has advised motorists to expect delays and to plan journeys accordingly, and motorists have been asked to avoid the area.

A second smaller crash was also reported on the M50 Southbound between J4 Ballymun and J5 Finglas, but it has since been cleared. Traffic remains heavy southbound also, though is moving significantly faster than northbound traffic.