The M50 motorway is likely to become even more congested over the next two years because of traffic diversions to facilitate construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
From November 5th, the N1/M1 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the Coolock interchange and Whitehall, the junction of Collins Avenue. Motorists bound for Dublin Airport are being urged to use alternative routes, including the M50.
But Dublin Corporation, which is managing the £353 million project, was unable to say yesterday how much extra traffic would be diverted onto the M50 by the restrictions on the main route to the airport.
Mr Sean Wynne, the corporation's project engineer, said a detailed traffic management plan had been prepared to minimise traffic disruption, and one of its key elements is to give priority to public transport. Under this plan, a southbound bus lane will operate for the entire two years from the Coolock interchange to Whitehall. The southbound slip road from Shantalla Bridge will be open to public transport only.
Commuters are being encouraged to switch to bus services on the three northside quality bus corridors (QBCs) serving Malahide Road, Finglas Road and Swords Road, where buses are promised "every two minutes" at peak periods. Motorists travelling to or from Dublin Airport are being advised to leave extra time for their journeys and to use alternative sign-posted routes. Motorists approaching Dublin from the south or west are being advised to use the M50, while those travelling south into the city should use another route via the Malahide Road, Coolock and Fairview.
A speed limit of 30 m.p.h. will be enforced in the construction zone to minimise the risk of accidents. The right turn from Swords Road, southbound, to Collins Avenue, is being banned from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
