Crusheen/Gort bypass ahead of schedule

THE Gort to Crusheen bypass could be open more than six months ahead of schedule, it was revealed this week.
This project is being constructed by Siac Wills JV Ltd and the projected completion date was, until recently, June 2011.
However, now, Wills Bros Ltd estimate that the 22.3km, two-lane motorway bypassing the towns of Crusheen and Gort will be completed by October.
A spokesperson for the National Roads Authority stated this does not mean the road will be open to the public by then, as it would have to undergo testing.
“We are hoping the road will be completed early in the new year, if not sooner,” the spokesperson said, adding that the project is progressing “way ahead of schedule”.
He said the project is coming in on budget and would cost €207 million in total.
When completed, the dual carriageway will link Ballinger’s Corner north of Gort to Shannon, meeting the M18 motorway at Ennis.
Work on the project began in October 2008 and if it opens this year, will be more than six months ahead of schedule.