Detour in Kildare causes 2 1/2-hour traffic delays

Severe delays were experienced on the N7 road through Kildare over the holiday weekend, following the previous week's accident at Kyle Bridge over the railway line, near Monasterevin.

Kildare gardai said diverted southbound traffic was delayed yesterday for up to 2 1/2 hours on a three-mile diversion through Kildangan. A number of incidents, in which lorries attempted to pass one another at a narrow bridge outside Kildangan, made matters worse, according to gardai.

The delays on Friday were even more severe, according to AA Roadwatch. It said the traffic congestion was not quite as bad as expected yesterday, with some drivers diverting to alternative routes.

Disruptions will continue for the next seven to eight weeks, with southbound traffic diverted through Kildangan to Monasterevin. Northbound traffic is restricted to a single lane, and motorists are warned to avoid the area if possible.

The town of Athy reported congested traffic as holidaymakers returning to Dublin yesterday sought alternative routes to the N7, because of the damage to the railway bridge. A lesser problem was experienced on the N11 at Rathnew and the Glen of the Downs, where there were 15-minute tailbacks.

Today's race meeting at Fairyhouse is expected to cause severe delays, especially between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the N3 north and south of the racecourse turning. Traffic was particularly heavy going to yesterday's meeting.

The Strand Road at the Merrion Gates reopened as promised yesterday afternoon.

In Co Cavan the George Mitchell Peace Bridge, across the Woodford river between Cavan and Fermanagh, has opened to traffic. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travelling time between Dublin and Enniskillen/ south Donegal.

In Dublin tree-cutting works will begin on Ballinteer Road and continue until April 19th, while the Lower Kilmacud Road will see Bord Gais works disrupting traffic until mid-May.

Duct-laying will restrict traffic at off-peak hours at Northumberland Road, Haddington Road, Morehampton Road and the Stillorgan Road. This work is due to continue for some weeks.

In Co Meath, Railway Street in Navan will be closed for pipe-laying work for several weeks. In Co Louth roadworks are taking place in the village of Collon. In Cork gas works will take place on Patrick Street today.