Work to commence on the M7 widening as contract awarded – Heydon

Kildare South Fine Gael TD, Martin Heydon, has today (Thursday) said that the awarding of the contract for the three elements of the M7 project, which includes the widening to 3 lanes, is further progress and secures the timelines on this critical project.

“The awarding of today’s contract with SIAC/Colas JV is a milestone and ensures that the much needed widening works on the M7 can commence and will be completed by Autumn 2019.

“The contract covers the widening of the M7 to 3 lanes from the Junction 9 (the big ball) to the M7/M9 interchange, the Sallins bypass and the construction of a new interchange at Osberstown near Kerry Group.

“Based on the award of this contract, it is anticipated that the overall project will be completed by Spring 2020 with the M7 anticipated to be completed by Autumn 2019. This scheme represents an overall investment of €110m.

“With the M7 now carrying about 70,000 vehicles per day as the main network connection to Cork, Waterford and Limerick, commuting times for Kildare residents have increased considerably in the past year. The widening of the M7 should help to ease the congestion at busy times in particular and I hope to see progress quickly now that the contact has been awarded.”

ENDS