Laois County Council has signed a major €4 million contract to see a busy Portlaoise road upgraded.
Council officials and elected representatives have appointed a contractor to complete a 2km stretch of road as pare of the ‘N77 Abbeyleix Road (Portlaoise) Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme,
Following public procurement processes, the contractor appointed to complete the works is Arkil Ltd and works are set to commence in the coming weeks. A more detailed programme will be published prior to the commencement of works.
The scheme is 2km in length, from the M7 (J17) Interchange to the roundabout at James Fintan Lalor Avenue, at the Portlaoise Garda station.
It’s understood that the work will begin in early April and should be complete by the end of this year.
Speaking at the contract signing, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell outlined that: “The investment of approximately €4million towards the upgrade of the N77 Abbeyleix Road is very welcome.
“I urge that the works commence as soon as possible and, that the inconvenience the works will give rise to, will be effectively managed by Laois County Council and Arkil Ltd (in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering).
“This route is a key access/egress route for Portlaoise. I also request that the works undertaken compliment and support the ongoing efforts of Portlaoise Tidy Towns and local Resident’s Associations’.
Simon Walton, Director of Transportation Services for Laois County Council noted that ‘the existing road pavement is in clear need of rehabilitation and that is a key part of this Scheme. Also, the existing road layout contributes to this stretch of road being categorised as a High Collision-Risk Location.
“The scheme will address that, provide for a reduced-speed environment, provide for additional designated pedestrian crossing points, provide for pedestrian and cyclist measures over the full length of the Scheme in addition to enhanced public lighting and landscaping.”
Speaking on behalf of Arkil Ltd, Mr Seamus Mannion stated that ‘Arkil Ltd., in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering, is delighted to have been awarded this contract and we look forward to completing the works in a manner that will benefit the N77 National Route and the broader local community.”
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