Mallow relief road motors on
The long awaited relief road for Mallow has taken another step forward.
Funding was granted for the project in January and this week marked another milestone with Cork County Council confirming that a contract had been signed to start a feasibility phase.
The council, in partnership with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has been investigating options for the alleviation of traffic congestion in Mallow town centre and its approach roads.
Earlier this week, a contract for the design preparation of the N72/N73 Relief Road for Mallow was signed by Cork County Council Divisional Manager James Fogarty with Barry Transportation Ltd.
A Cork County Council statement said: “This signing marks the commencement of the concept and feasibility phase of the planning and design.”
An Irish firm of engineering consultants specialising in the development of road infrastructure, Barry Transportation Ltd, have been appointed as technical advisors for the preparation of the design and associated environmental reports for the Scheme. The firm will provide all engineering, environmental, economic and appraisal services required to deliver the project through the planning and design phases.
Mr Fogarty said: “Cork County Council’s objectives in the proposed development of a Mallow Relief Road is to free up the town centre for local traffic, while facilitating a more efficient bypass route around the town. The Mallow Northern Relief Road is mentioned in strategic outcomes of the National Development Plan for enhancing regional accessibility. The development of this relief road is significant both in terms of delivering on quality of life for Mallow residents and in terms of delivering national policy at local level.”
Mayor of Cork Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan welcomed the news: “This contract signing is an important step forward for the town. Mallow is well positioned but its sustainability and growth is impacted by traffic congestion in the town centre, the relief road will greatly enhance the potential of the town.”