N81 Knockroe Bend Realignment

The Knockroe Bend realignment project was officially opened on Friday (June 17th) removing road hazards at this location. 

Performing the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Shay Cullen, said: “The main construction work was substantially completed in December 2020 with a total overall project cost approximately €6.9m. Again due to Covid restrictions we unfortunately have not been in a position to officially open the scheme until now.’

Cllr Avril Cronin, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, stated: “West Wicklow is served by this primary N81 route and is the main artery of travel and access to many small rural areas of west Wicklow. As Cathoirleach of the Baltinglass District, together with my fellow district members, we welcome this alignment works’

Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added: “The construction of this scheme has removed the road hazards at this location and will significantly reduce the occurrence of collisions. This will lead to significant benefits and improvement to safety and overall economic returns.”

Mr Gleeson thanked Transport Infrastructure Ireland and CEO Peter Walsh for their continued and ongoing support on this project and hopefully others in the future.

Construction work commenced in September 2019 and the new alignment was opened to two-way traffic on 24th July 2020.  The main construction work was substantially completed in December 2020.

Wicklow County Council signed the Main Works Contract with Clonmel Enterprises Ltd September 2019 and Site supervision of the Main Works Contract was provided by RPS Consulting Engineers

Wicklow County Council would like to thank TII for providing funding to facilitate this safety improvement alignment project. The completion of this works will improve the visibility and legibility of the N81, providing a safer transport route on this key piece of infrastructure.