Minister Deenihan opens 13.5 km Tralee Bypass
Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has officially open the N22/N69 Tralee Bypass Road. The N22/N69 Tralee Bypass Road Improvement Scheme is 13.5km in length, comprising an 8.0km Dual Carriageway Eastern Bypass of Tralee Town and a 5.5km single carriageway link road from the proposed Bypass to the N22 Killarney Road at Bealagrellagh.
The scheme will connect four of the five national routes (N21, N22, N69 and N70) that terminate in Tralee and will improve the road transport corridor between Tralee and Killarney. The bypass section also includes a dedicated combined pedestrian/cycleway along the western verge over the full length of the Bypass.
Minister Deenihan welcomed the investment in the project, the biggest road construction scheme in Kerry, and stated that it would benefit not only the people of Tralee, but the county of Kerry as a whole. Minister Deenihan said “Given that the new Bypass connects four of the five national routes (N21, N22, N69 and N70) that terminate in Tralee, it will greatly improve transport links in the county, which will prove of immense benefit to those living and working in Kerry and visitors to the county,”
At the opening ceremony Mr. Paul Moran, Regional Manager of National Road Authority said, “Today’s opening is welcomed by the National Roads Authority because not only will it improve road user safety, but it enhances regional connectivity which will assist in providing opportunities toward economic growth for County Kerry and surrounding counties.”
“This new carriageway will not only improve access to Tralee town, it will remove bypassing national traffic from the centre. Good news for motorists who will see an average end-to-end reduction in journey times of 73%, in comparison with the previous route. This means a saving of approximately 12 minutes for ‘through’ traffic in Tralee at peak times” added the Minister.
“As we gather today to mark the official opening of the new Tralee bypass, it would be remiss of me not to mention the very important road safety message. While new roads significantly contribute to journey safety, individual road users must take responsibility for their own safety. I would like to urge everyone to once again, heed the advice of the RSA and slow down, never ever drink and drive and always be mindful of other road users”. Minister Deenihan concluded