N5 project on track as major Roscommon road closes for three months

The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Road Project remains on track and is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, according to Minister of State Alan Dillon TD. A total of €179 million of the €462 million budget has already been spent.

Today, Monday,  a major stretch of the N61 closed for three months to facilitate the works.

A total of 1,600m of the N61 Tulsk to Boyle road at Gortnacrannagh has been closed until August 25th

The closure starts 200m south of the N61 Junction with the R369, to 200m north of the N61 Junction with the L-6117.

A diversion is in place via the N5 at Tulsk, as far as Frenchpark, and then on to the R361 Boyle Road. There is also a diversion via the R369 in both directions at Shankill Cross. The R369 from Ballinagare to Elphin is to remain open.

The road project was originally approved by the Cabinet in September 2023. It involves the construction of 34 kilometres of new single carriageway. It will extend from the western end of the Ballaghaderreen By-pass to the townland of Scramogue outside of Strokestown, bypassing several towns and villages, including Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk, and Strokestown.

Construction is being carried out by Wills Bros Ltd, a Mayo-based company.

So far, €179 million of the budget has been spent and has covered several key phases of the project, including planning and design, land acquisition, archaeological works, and the early stages of construction.

“This is a landmark investment for Roscommon, Mayo and the wider Western region. The project will bring long-term economic benefits through improved road safety, reduced journey times, and enhanced regional connectivity, importantly, by diverting heavy goods traffic from town centres, the scheme will improve the quality of life for communities along the corridor and support local business and tourism,” said Minister Dillon.