N52 Rathconnell Re-alignment Scheme

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Councillor Dan McCarthy opened the N52 Rathconnell Re-Alignment scheme on Monday 15th February at 12 noon. Speaking at the official opening, Councillor McCarthy praised this scheme which has improved road safety & stated that he “looked forward to the day when the N52 between Mullingar & Clonmellon would be completed to this high standard.”

This re-alignment project, which was supported and funded by the National Roads Authority, is part of an ongoing series of improvements on the N52 Route between Tyrrellspass and Clonmellon. The Project, which is consistent with Westmeath County Council’s Policy to enhance the strategic transportation infrastructure within the county, complements other recent re-alignment projects on the route including the 2.4km Billistown Re-alignment Project, the 1.9km Macetown Re-alignment Project and the Mullingar to Belvedere Scheme completed in 2007.

The Rathconnell scheme was designed by Westmeath County Council’s Road Design Section. Construction of the road consisting of 1 kilometre of single carriageway was carried out in two phases commencing in May 2008 and completed in December 2009.

Construction of Phase 1 was carried out by the Mullingar Area Office of Westmeath County Council and Phase 2 which completed the tie-ins was carried out by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd., Stradbally East, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. The overall cost of the scheme was €3 Million euros which is reflected in the high quality of the finished road.

The completion of this scheme, together with previous improvement works along the route, will have considerable benefits for the region. The improved road quality has enhanced road safety and decreased journey times which will facilitate development and employment activity in the area.

Westmeath County Council will continue improving this strategic route with projects currently at an advanced design stage for the Carrick Bridge to Clonfad section south of Mullingar and for the Rathconnell to Macetown Section north of Mullingar.

Westmeath County Council also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing financial support of the National Roads Authority.

Contact
Michael Connolly
Senior Engineer
Transportation Section
Westmeath County Council
Tel : 044 9332000
Email: mconnolly@westmeathcoco.ie