Thurles Information

Details of the temporary “Traffic Management Plan for Thurles Bridges,” upcoming rehabilitation project is as follows.
A temporary traffic diversion route will be in operation around the town of Thurles from 9.00 tomorrow morning (7th August 2012) until completion of the works estimated to take 3 months. The traffic diversion route will in particular impact on the traffic crossing the Suir Bridge in the town, but long delays can be expected at the three bridge locations.

The temporary Diversion Route around Thurles as shown on the map  (Click Here for Map) will be signposted and will be in operation for the duration of the rehabilitation works on the three bridges and is as follows hereunder:-

Thurles bound traffic travelling South on the M8 Motorway – Traffic destined for the eastern side of Thurles town should exit the M8 at Junction 5. Traffic destined for the western side of Thurles town should follow the diversion signs, proceed along the M8 and exit the M8 at Junction 6 to approach Thurles via the N62.

Thurles bound traffic travelling North on the R639 – Traffic destined for the western side of Thurles should travel via the Horse and Jockey on the R639 and approach Thurles by the N62. Traffic destined for the eastern side of Thurles should follow the diversion signs and continue on the R639 to Turnpike and approach Thurles via the N75.

Thurles bound traffic travelling North on the M8 Motorway – Traffic destined for the west side of Thurles should exit the M8 at Junction 6 (Horse and Jockey) and approach Thurles via the N62. Traffic destined for the east side of Thurles should exit the M8 at Junction 6 (Horse & Jockey) and follow the diversion signs, proceed along the R639 and exit at the Turnpike and approach Thurles via the N75.

Eastbound traffic from the north and west of Thurles – Traffic destined for the east travelling from the north and west side of Thurles should proceed to Thurles through Liberty Square and follow the diversion signs via the N62 to Junction 6 (Horse and Jockey) on the M8.

Local Traffic Management In Thurles

Suir Bridge
Two-way movement of local traffic will be operational on the Suir Bridge from 6:00am to 9:30am each morning and from 4.30pm to 6:30pm each evening. At other times one lane will be open under a temporary shuttle traffic management system using “stop go,” boards operated by the Bridge Maintenance Contractor. Vehicular access to Emmet Street from Liberty Square and vice versa will be closed during the rehabilitation works.
Turtulla Bridge
Works to Turtulla Bridge on the N62 near the Golf Club will be undertaken during normal construction working hours.
Drish Bridge
Works to Drish Bridge on the N75 located to the east of Thurles town will be undertaken during normal construction working hours.
At all times during the construction period traffic will be restricted to one lane from 9:30am in the morning to 4:30pm in the evening using a temporary shuttle traffic management system operated by the Contractor using stop go boards.

The operation of the temporary Traffic Management Plan will be reviewed regularly and updated, however travellers are warned to plan their intended journeys, allowing extra time in case of expected, yet unavoidable delays.

One would have hoped that temporary free parking would have been introduced into the town, in an attempt to encourage currently enjoyed regular trading during this period of serious upheaval, but it appears, with the exception of Councillor Ger Fogarty, no discussions by other Local Councillors, have taken place at all regarding this matter.