About the Project

Project Overview

Roscommon County Council in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are developing a scheme along a section of the N61 between Ballymurray and Knockcroghery (St. Johns).  The N61 National Secondary route is approximately 75km in length and is the major north-south arterial route contained entirely in County Roscommon.   The N61 passes through the settlements of Boyle, Tulsk, Roscommon, Knockcroghery, Lecarrow and Hodson Bay.

Previous Studies

Since 2003, there have been a number of studies carried out in respect of the N61 National Secondary route, including the 2011 National Secondary Road Needs Study, which have identified the section from Ballymurray to south of Knockcroghery as substandard and in need of improvement.

Following the appointment of ROD-AECOM, the initial study area was reviewed in the context of potential future upgrades to the N61 corridor. This review concluded that the initial study area should be increased to the south and west to include consideration of more direct route options from Killiaghan & Gort (South of St. John’s Church) to Ballymurray.

Need for the Project

The N61 National Secondary route is the major north – south arterial route through County Roscommon connecting the National Primary routes: the N4 in Boyle, the N5 in Tulsk and the N6 in Athlone. The N61 currently experiences traffic levels in the region of 8,000 vehicles per day at Ballymurray, with traffic levels significantly increasing to over 13,000 vehicles per day (AADT) on the approach to Athlone. The existing route is substandard in terms of horizontal and vertical alignment, cross-section, sightlines and has a high number of junctions and direct accesses, all of which add to its poor road safety record. The route also passes through the centre of Knockcroghery village, traversing two rail level crossings on the Dublin to Westport/Ballina Railway Line at Ballymurray/Bogganfin and Galey townlands respectively.

The need for the project is supported by planning and transport policies at National, Regional and Local level.