Popular junction with Limerick motorists officially opens after revamp due to safety concerns

A NOTORIOUS road junction in Limerick, where nearly thirty collisions took place over a span of 15 years, has undergone a remarkable €6.5 million transformation to enhance road safety.

The newly completed N24 Beary’s Cross Road Improvement Scheme was officially opened by Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Francis Foley, marking a significant milestone in the region's efforts to address traffic hazards.

The project aimed to rectify the issues identified at the original junction connecting the N24 Tipperary Road and R513 to Caherconlish. Data obtained from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) revealed that two fatal collisions occurred in the vicinity between 2005 and 2014. Subsequently, from 2014 to 2020, an additional twenty-seven collisions transpired, with three resulting in injuries and the remainder causing only material damage.

Funded by TII as part of Project Ireland 2040, the reconfiguration of the junction includes the construction of a roundabout situated approximately 150 meters southeast of the original junction on the N24. Additionally, 400 meters of the R513 were realigned, and a Cul de Sac access was created for properties located on the old R513.

The scheme, which received Part VIII Planning Consent in November 2017, underwent the approval process by An Bord Pleanála in 2021. Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd, awarded the construction contract in August 2022, commenced work before the end of the same month.

Despite initially having a 12-month program, the project opened to traffic in March 2023, achieving a four-month improvement over the original timeline. Limerick City and County Council expressed gratitude to local councillors, affected landowners, the community, and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support, ensuring the successful delivery of the scheme.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Francis Foley, emphasized the significance of collaboration between state bodies and local communities in achieving impactful development, stating: "This is a hugely important development, and it again shows the importance of positive collaboration between State bodies and local communities to deliver results."

He added, "Beary’s Cross is now safer for motorists, though I would urge drivers not to become complacent and always drive with care."

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD, attended the official opening and praised the road improvement scheme for addressing long-standing safety concerns. Minister Chambers said: "This road improvement scheme is very welcome as it helps to address long-standing concerns about road safety at Beary’s Cross. Two fatal crashes and 27 other collisions over 15 years are a very poor safety record."

Brian Kennedy, Director of Transportation and Mobility at Limerick City and County Council affirmed: "It is much safer, and traffic flow has been greatly improved" due to the implementation of the new roundabout and road layout.