Minister of State, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the junction alongside Cllr Michael Loftus, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council. The improved junction is the largest project funded to date by Transport Infrastructure Ireland's Safety Section.
The junction upgrade will see a reduction of direct access and the elimination of right hand turns on the N17 in the vicinity of the upgrade, improving safety for all road users by reducing the frequency and severity of collisions.
The location had been identified as a High Collision Location in 2018 by a TII collision cluster analysis and a feasibility study followed which recommended the new improvement scheme.
The project has seen the construction of in total 0.85km of link roads and an overbridge constructed over the N17, along with the installation of two roundabouts and the closure of the existing N17/L/5565-0 Mellick More Road junction.
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Mayo County Council’s National Roads Office (NRO) managed the project, which was guided by a steering group that comprised of the members of the NRO, Barry Transportation Consulting and senior management from Mayo County Council and TII. The construction contract was awarded to BAM Ltd in November 2021, and they oversaw the construction of the scheme.
Minister Calleary said: "It is an honour to officially open the N17/R320 Lisduff Junction upgrade today. As many in the community will know this is a much-needed upgrade and I want to acknowledge what has been the driving force for this - greater road safety for all road users. Road collisions have a devastating impact on individuals, their families, and their communities. This area has seen a number of dangerous collisions that has unfortunately led to serious injury and tragically the loss of life, most recently in 2017, but I hope the improvements made under the upgrade will reduce collisions and make this road safer for all. I want to thank all those involved to deliver this important upgrade, and whose work and dedication will result in greater road safety."
Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland stated: "Our team are delighted to have constructed this critical junction upgrade for Mayo County Council. We would like to express our gratitude to all the teams involved and the local community for their support in successfully delivering this milestone piece of infrastructure that will significantly improve the safety of vehicle users, pedestrians, and cyclists in the area."
