€34m bypass to divert 70% of traffic from Castleisland bottleneck
Castleisland is one of Kerry’s most notorious bottlenecks and the long-awaited bypass is projected to divert 70% of all traffic and more than three-quarters of heavy goods vehicles from the town centre. The 5.5km road bypasses Castleisland to the west of the town and links the Killarney, Limerick and Tralee roads.
The Limerick Road-Tralee Road section consists of 3.4km of dual carriageway, while a single carriageway links the N21 Tralee Road to the N23 Killarney Road.
Construction work was started by Bam Civil Engineering, in May 2009 and good weather coupled with a strong push by the contractors meant it was finished two months ahead of schedule.
Mayor of Kerry Pat Leahy paid tribute to the contractors.
“I am delighted at the progress over the past 15 months and it is terrific to be able to open the bypass before Christmas. It is no secret that the town of Castleisland has suffered from chronic traffic congestion and the opening of the bypass will benefit the town hugely. To be finished two months ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement.”
He also credited the staff of the Kerry National Road Design Office, in Castleisland, and the people of the area for pushing the project from the start.
