Contract signed for major road project in Mayo
Pictured at the signing of the contract between Mayo County Council and Fox Building & Engineering Ltd for the construction of the N59 Derradda to Newport Road Project in the Westport Civic Offices were, front row, from left: Finbarr Fox (Fox Building & Engineering Ltd), Cllr Sean Carey (Cathaoirleach, Westport-Belmullet Municipal District) and Kevin Kelly (Chief Executive, Mayo Co Council) Back row: Seamus Ó Mongáin (Head of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District), Tommie Sheridan (Executive Engineer, National Roads Office), Tom Gilligan (Director of Services), Cllr Peter Flynn, Cllr Johno O’Malley, Paul Dolan (Head of Roads, Mayo Co Council), Martina Hughes (Head of Corporate Development and Communications, Mayo Co Council), Cllr Chris Maxwell, John Philbin (Senior Executive Engineer, National Roads Office), Paul Hyland (Senior Engineer, National Roads Office), Brendan McCartan (Fox Building & Engineering Ltd).
Mayo County Council has awarded a contract to Fox Building & Engineering Ltd for the construction of the N59 Derradda to Newport Road to the north of Newport town. The construction of the €31.5 million project is expected to commence in the coming weeks with a 32-month construction period.
This strategically important N59 road scheme is 5.1km in length and comprises both on-line road widening and off-line road construction, with funding being provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Enhancements to sections of the existing Great Western Greenway have been incorporated in this scheme with the construction of about 1km of off-road cycleway/walkway as well as a signature bridge structure over the N59 carriageway realignment (Kiltarnaght Greenway Overbridge).
Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Sean Carey, welcomed the contract signing saying: "This is a great day for the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. This isn’t just about roads and tarmac; it is about improving the fabric of our community.
“This project will have a dramatic benefit to not just commuters, but for our residents, farmers, businesspeople and for our tourism industry across the entire municipal district.
“This scheme will breathe new life into our towns and villages and connect us all together more effectively and strengthen our sense of community."
Mayo Co Council chief executive Kevin Kelly said: “The N59 is a vital artery for Mayo and this upgrade will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for all road users.
“This new scheme will not only address long-term safety concerns and improve traffic flow, but it will also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for the region.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this development will have on the county for generations to come.”
Once completed, the N59 Derradda to Newport Road Project is expected to have several key benefits. It will improve the reliability and climate resilience of the N59 road with new pavement construction, construction and configuration of culvert crossings, improvement of road drainage and other landscaping, environmental and mitigation works. It will also contribute to increased adoption of sustainable transport modes such as active travel.
Improvements to the Great Western Greenway as part of this scheme will encourage a mode shift to active modes in the area for both local road users and visitors. In addition, improved infrastructure for active travel along sections of the N59 will make active travel a more attractive mode and will generate positive safety, health, recreation and journey quality benefits for both existing and new users.
The project will also improve accessibility to remote areas and promoting social inclusion and it will reduce the number of collisions, thus improving safety for both motorists and active mode users. This will be achieved through the provision of an improved cross-section and the removal of an at-grade crossing point between the Great Western Greenway and the N59. The at-grade crossing point is currently a conflict point between road and active mode users.
