BAM joined by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, at the official opening of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road

BAM, together with JV partners Wills Bros, has celebrated the completion of the €250 million Westport to Turlough N5 Road project, a 25.7km road that will improve accessibility and journey times within County Mayo and the west of Ireland.  
 

BAM was joined at the opening ceremony by Leo Varadkar TD, the Taoiseach of Ireland, along with Cllr Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, project partners and elected representatives, to celebrate the completion of the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the county. 

The road comprises 20.3km of type two dual carriageway and runs from northwest of Westport at Deerpark East, to the townland of Ballyneggin near Turlough where it connects with the existing N5.

The scheme will bring a range of benefits including the reduction of traffic congestion in Castlebar and Westport, therefore improving road safety for vulnerable road users in those areas.

It will offer improved connectivity between the towns of Castlebar, Westport and Ballina and improve the connectivity to other vital roads infrastructure such as the N59, N60 and N84 national routes.

The construction and engineering of the new Westport to Turlough N5 project saw multiple engineering solutions considered and planned out. 600 acres of land was acquired from 250 different landowners as part of the development.

Along with the construction of the new National Road, there were 20km of local and other roads improved and 7km of active travel roadways built. Two railway bridges, six roundabouts, 13 underpasses and 11 overbridges were also constructed to facilitate the project.

There are also several environmental benefits to this project which will enhance the environmental quality in both Castlebar and Westport with a reduction in traffic passing through them, thus improving air quality and reducing noise.

Material excavated from Drumlins during the construction period was reused within the road project, while unsuitable soft material that was excavated was set aside in adjacent environmentally controlled recovery areas.

Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar speaking at the opening ceremony, said: “This new road will drive investment and employment throughout the county and the western region, as well as making the transport of goods and services more efficient. It will enhance both road safety and the quality of life in the area, by improving accessibility and journey times for people commuting to work and other activities. 

“The road will also benefit tourism, opening up new possibilities for people to visit this wonderful county and see new views of the lakes and mountains that make Mayo so special. Road projects like this one represent the best work of our local authorities and skilled workers. It shows that when we work together, we can realise the positive vision we have for Ireland.”