Cashel Cross works near completion in Ballinagh

Traffic disruption on the N55, as a result of roadworks at a dangerous junction known as Cashel Cross, will be lessened over the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for Cavan County Council confirmed to the Celt yesterday (Tuesday) that the main road widening is now complete at the location and road marking was underway yesterday.

"From midweek on, there may be some traffic control along the side roads from time to time over the next few weeks, but it will be minimal. A lot of the finishing works will be offline now so traffic disruption will be lessened," the spokesperson told the Celt.

The €600,000 Cashel Cross Project is a TII funded road safety scheme to provide right turning lanes on the N55 for adjacent local roads.

The scheme was designed by Barry Transportation and the Construction Contract was awarded to S Wilkin and Sons Limited, Rockcorry, Co Monaghan.

Construction commenced in April 2024 and will be completed by September 2024.

"The works involve minor realignments of the L6568 and L2506 to provide a staggered junction and the introduction of right turning lanes on the N55 to both local roads," a spokesperson updated the Celt this week.

"Site clearance, drainage works, a vehicle restraint system and road resurfacing are also included in this scheme," they added.

The urgent need to progress the installation of road safety measures at Cashel Cross on the Ballinagh to Cavan Road, the scene of a number of serious road traffic accidents, was highlighted at multiple council meetings in recent years.

In 2021, plans were unveiled for the installation of two right-turning lanes and a staggering of the road junctions coming onto the N55 at Cashel Cross.

Local councillor Winston Bennett (FG) first tabled the motion in early 2021 following a fatal crash, which claimed the lives of two people the previous year.