The new 18km bypass reduced the number of vehicles passing through Carlow by 9,000 vehicle per day reducing noise and air pollution. The new motorway also saves motorist up to 30 minutes during peak time journeys.
On a national scale the new bypass will substantially improve access to the southeast region and will facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods between the gateway city of Waterford and the hub towns of Kilkenny and Wexford identified in the National Spatial Strategy.
The design and build contract for this €75 million contract was undertaken by Halcrow Barry on behalf of Ascon and included tender design, detailed design and site supervision services. The contract comprised 18 km of dual carriageway and 5km of side roads with 15 bridges including one railway bridge.
Halcrow Barry Project is the Joint Venture Company jointly owned between Halcrow Group Ireland Limited and J. B. Barry & Partners Limited.
Construction commenced in 2007 and the scheme was officially opened by the Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey, T.D. in May 2008.