merrion street

14% reduction in accidents 

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD, today launched the second major road project in less than a week, when he turned the sod on the N22 Tralee Bypass.  Speaking today, the Minister said: "This project will

improve safety benefits to motorists and vulnerable road users alike resulting in a predicted 14% reduction in accidents.  

The proposed N22/N69 Tralee Bypass Scheme is 13.5km in length and comprises two sections: 

The Bypass Section, 

Tralee to Bealagrellagh Section. 

The proposed bypass is 8km dual carriageway running to the east of Tralee town, and includes five roundabouts, two road bridges, a railway bridge and two river bridges, with two further roundabouts on side roads, one priority junction (exit only on mainline) and approximately 3 km of side roads. 

The scheme will improve access to Tralee Town whilst removing bypassing National traffic from the centre of Tralee town. Consequent safety benefits to motorists and vulnerable road users alike will result in a predicted 14% reduction in accidents. The scheme will also provide alternative access for N22 traffic from Cork and a full high quality linkage between the N21, N22, N69 and N70 National Routes and improved access to the N86. The Bypass section includes a dedicated combined pedestrian/cycleway. It is envisaged that the scheme will deliver an average end to end reduction in journey times of 73% and result in savings of approximately 12 minutes at peak times. 

The Minister continued: "Additionally, the Tralee Bypass will upgrade access to County Kerry and allow Tralee to benefit from the removal of unnecessary through traffic whilst improving the travel experience for tourists and businesses alike. Just last Friday, we announce the commencement of works on the N25 Cork Southern Ring Road project. The investment of €97 million euro on this project incorporates Cycle-track and footways along over the full length of the Tralee Bypass." 

National Roads Authority CEO Fred Barry said: "The N22 Tralee Bypass will deliver more consistent journey times to and through Tralee by providing separate access points to Tralee Town for traffic from Killarney and Cork.  We look forward to its opening in under two year’s time.