Westmeath Community Development

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey has today opened the final link in the Mullingar Orbital Road which includes the new ‘Joe Dolan Bridge’.

The Joe Dolan Bridge is 540 metres long with 20 spans and 240 metres of approach embankments.  It crosses the flood plains of the River Brosna and Lacy’s Canal.

The new road consists of a 2-lane carriageway with footpaths and cycle lanes on both sides. It will help alleviate congestion in Mullingar Town Centre by providing an alternative route for traffic.

The new road will link the Clonmore Business Park to the Lynn Roundabout on the Tullamore Road.

The Western Relief Road has been constructed on a phased basis resulting in the opening of this final link today.

Speaking in Mullingar today Minister Dempsey said;

The Joe Dolan Bridge, which I have the pleasure of opening today, is the final link in the completion of the Mullingar Orbital Road.  Named after the much loved local legend this bridge will represent a major landmark for the town and region.

The completion today of the Mullingar Orbital Road will greatly improve accessibility and allow traffic to travel in a complete circle around Mullingar Town.  This will make a very big difference to local people going about their every day lives and to businesses who struggled to cope with choking traffic for too long. The new increased level of access will improve the industrial and commercial potential of Mullingar Town, which will help with the protection and creation of jobs.