Cork's Macroom Bypass shut in both directions following series of icy road collisions

Black ice has lef to multiple crashes on the N22, prompting a full closure of the Macroom Bypass on Tuesday morning

A section of the new Macroom bypass looking West of Macroom near the new roundabout at Carrigaphooca. File picture: Dan Linehan

The Macroom Bypass on the N22 in Cork closed in both directions on Tuesday due to multiple traffic collisions.

Met Éireann warned of "treacherous" travel conditions after a status yellow low temperature and ice warning overnight. Motorists are urged to remain cautious, as patches of black ice may linger, particularly on untreated roads.

Gardaí said multiple collisions occurred on the bypass, including one involving a truck, prompting the closure.

No injuries have been reported, but the closure is expected to last several hours.

In an update shortly after 11.30am, Cork County Council said the Macroom Bypass was "closed in both directions", with diversions being put in place.

The council said rain fell early on Tuesday and froze in places, causing a deterioration in road conditions, despite treatment of main routes.

"All Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes were treated last night and again early this morning as planned," the council said. 

"Unfortunately, rainfall occurred early this morning in parts of the county. Some of this rainfall froze on impact due to road surfaces being significantly below freezing.

"This has reduced the effectiveness of overnight treatments, meaning icy patches can form even on treated roads."

The council urged motorists travelling on Tuesday to drive with caution.

"Never assume a road is safe or treated. Drive with extreme caution on all routes, including those that have been salted. Allow extra time for your journey and reduce speed."