New Relief Road Confirms Sligo's Status as Premier Economic Gateway

The Regional Manager of IDA Ireland, Mr Joe McHugh, maintains that the delivery of Sligo’s new Inner Relief Road ‘will help to position Sligo as the premier economic gateway of the northwest region, re-affirming its status under the national spatial strategy.’

Benefits

The 4.5km road runs from the Carraroe roundabout south of Sligo to Michael Hughes Bridge north of the city centre. The urban section of the road (from Summerhill to Hughes Bridge) will have signal controlled junctions and will provide excellent access to the city centre. There will be a roundabout at Summerhill College, and travelling north there will be traffic lights at Upper John Street, Lord Edward Street, Lynn’s Place and Ballast Quay.

Pedestrian Facilities

Pedestrians will be catered for at all junctions in the urban section of the route, with tactile paving installed for the visually impaired. Cycle lanes and footpaths will run from Flynn’s Terrace to Caltragh Interchange and back to the Crozon link, which will also provide a ‘loop walk’ for people The location of the road, and its direct connections to car-parking areas, will ultimately facilitate the pedestrianisation of city centre streets. In addition to alleviating traffic congestion, the new road will greatly enhance the urban environment and make Sligo a more pleasant and amenable environment for people to reside, work in or visit. 

Ahead of Schedule

The Sligo Inner relief Road Project was completed many months ahead of its original schedule. In welcoming this achievement, the Sligo Local Authorities acknowledged the co-operation of the people of Sligo, who showed great patience and goodwill throughout the various stages of the contract. Director of Infrastructural Services, Seamus Concannon, explained that ‘During the construction, roads had to be closed and there were knock-on effects, but the public were very understanding because they understood the benefits of the project.  I think that the Inner Relief Road will not only improve confidence in Sligo city, it will also help create greater acceptability for other major road infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline.'  An important facet of the project was the very close co-operation between Ascon, the Sligo Local Authorities and Atkins, consultant engineers. "After the contract was signed, an accelerated programme was agreed with the contractor and a partnership approach was the key to its delivery. The contractor was given the flexibility to suggest alterations and these were examined and approved if appropriate.”

Features of the New Road

The Inner Relief Road has three bridges, two at Carraroe and the third is located at the Caltragh Interchange.

The two bridges at Carraroe will facilitate the movement of traffic from Dublin and the south onto the roundabout and will also allow for the flow of traffic in and out of the city with easy access on and off the roundabout.

At the Caltragh Interchange the overbridge provides a link into Crozon and ultimately to link with the Western Development Route which will cater for the medium to long term development of Sligo Borough and Environs.

The roundabout at Summerhill provides access to Summerhill College and northwards to Hughes Bridge. There will be four junctions at Upper John Street, Lord Edward Street, Lynn’s Place and Hughes Bridge all giving access to the city. This will be controlled by traffic lights with pedestrian phase included.

Official Opening

The new road is being officially opened by the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, TD, in the presence of the Mayor of Sligo Borough Council, Cllr. Rosaleen O’Grady and the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Clr. Patsy
Barry.