€30 Million realignment project has finally received approval for the R498, an area situated between Thurles and Nenagh.
- The R498 realignment will take place in the Latteragh area between Thurles and Nenagh.
- Funding of €20 million approved for civil works.
- €4 million already allocated for design, consultancy, and land compensation.
Tipperary County Council has confirmed that a major road improvement project for the R498 is now set to proceed.
The scheme, with estimated costings of some €30 million, is expected to deliver significant safety upgrades through the realignment of a section of the R498 route close to Latteragh. The Department of Transport has approved €20 million in funding to appoint a civil works contractor, who is expected to undertake a two-year programme necessary to complete the works.
This funding is in addition to some €4 million which has already been set aside to cover design fees, consultancy services, and compensation payable to landowners, affected by the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process. Compensation offers issued to all landowners, have been accepted by some, with the remainder under negotiation with valuers.
The existing R498 at Latteragh is a single carriageway, 4.3km in length, which follows the contours around the Latteragh hills, adjacent to the meandering Nenagh River. These bends have led to the road having a sub-standard cross-section resulting in numerous vehicle collisions in the past.
The scheme is located approximately 7km south-east of the M7 Nenagh Bypass and as stated, involves the improvement of approximately 4.3km of the existing R498 route.
A shared footway/cycle track is proposed along the length of the scheme, utilising sections of the old road alignment and within the proposed verge along one side of the road, which will have a design speed of 85km/h.
The existing three junctions are being improved as part of the scheme, with the provision of a right/left staggered ghost island junction at each junction.
There are also two single span bridge crossings over the Nenagh River with reinforced soil construction proposed for the wing-walls.
Some advance works have already been undertaken since last year, which included fencing and site clearance, along with archaeological investigations.
This project will be seen to represents a major investment in road safety and regional infrastructure, with the realignment of this section addressing long-standing safety concerns and providing a modern, reliable transport link between Thurles and Nenagh.
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