Storm Éowyn: Elevated section of busy Cork to Dublin motorway to close overnight

The closure of the viaduct, which will require the closure of the motorway between junctions 14 and 15, will begin from 9pm

Thu, 23 Jan, 2025 - 11:18

Eoin English

An elevated and exposed section of the busy M8 Cork to Dublin motorway will close overnight as the country braces for Storm Éowyn.

The Blackwater Viaduct at Fermoy in North Cork will close to all traffic in both directions during the status red weather alert, during which wind speeds of up to 130km/h are expected.

The closure of the viaduct, which will require the closure of the motorway between junctions 14 and 15, will begin from 9pm, but it may close earlier pending weather conditions.

The southbound diversion will take motorists via the R639 through Fermoy town, coming off the motorway at Junction 14 and rejoining it at junction 15, or further south.

The northbound diversion will take motorists off the motorway at junction 15, through Fermoy town, to rejoin the motorway at junction 14.

The red alert is due to expire at 10am on Friday and it is hoped to reopen the motorway as soon as it is safe to do it.

Various status red wind warnings have been issued for the whole country. The red warning for Cork will be in place on Friday from 2am until 10am.

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