Belturbet bypass now open

Paul Neilan

The partial opening of the Belturbet bypass will be open from lunchtime today (Friday, August 2).

A statement from the Cavan County Council confirmed the opening of a section of the long-delayed project.
“Following the recent completion of works at the River Erne Bridge, the contractor Ferrovial Agroman PT McWilliams Ltd JV have indicated that they are now in a position to handover a section of the N3 Belturbet Bypass between Staghall Roundabout and Drumalure to Cavan County Council for opening today, from 1pm,” a spokesperson said.

The weekend will be one of the busiest in the county, considering the long weekend, those travelling to Croke Park and various Gathering events.

“This section of road will remove the heavy N3 traffic volumes from the streets of Belturbet in time for the Festival of the Erne taking place in the town this Bank Holiday weekend. It will also accommodate the large crowds travelling from West Cavan and Donegal to Croke Park this Sunday.
“Cavan County Council would like to advise all road users to take due care and attention on this new stretch of road and be mindful of the new junction layouts. Particular care should be taken on approach to the Aghnaguig Bog Bridge site-Annagh Lake area, where traffic management will continue to be in place for a number of months.
“The road opens up an area of scenic beauty along the banks of the River Erne and Putiaghan Lake and will improve road safety and reduce journey times to the West Cavan Area.
“Cavan County Council would like to thank and acknowledge the cooperation of the general public and residents of the area but in particular the landowners affected during the delivery of this scheme,” the spokesperson said.
The completion date of the multi-million euro project had be delayed by over a year - it was due to open in February - after running into environmental difficulties.