News
BAM celebrates completion of Athy Distributor Road at official opening ceremony
2nd November 2023
BAM joined Kildare County Council this week as they hosted Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick, for the official opening of the new Athy Distributor Road.
The ceremony marked the completion of a new 3.4km road that commences east of Athy and provides a southern bypass of the existing town. The scheme includes 5.8km of combined walking and cycling infrastructure including a repurposed railway bridge over the River Barrow, two new roundabouts, new signalised junctions at the Carlow Road and Fortbarrington Road, an 80m single span steel bridge over the River Barrow and a new railway bridge over the Dublin to Waterford railway line.
The scheme creates a safer travel environment in Athy, as well as reducing journey times and improving public transport accessibility. The Athy Distributor Road will allow for the removal of significant volumes of congestion from the centre of Athy, with the associated reduction in pollution.
Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland, said: “BAM was immensely proud to be appointed to deliver this project and I would like to congratulate the BAM project team, our supply chain partners, Roughan O’Donovan, and the Kildare County Council site team who worked with Waterways Ireland and Iarnrod Eireann to hand over this vital piece of infrastructure to Kildare County Council and the people of Athy.
“This project will alleviate traffic congestion, reduce journey times, ensure safe connectivity around the town for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, and also enhance the scenic amenity along the River Barrow.”
Speaking in Athy, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said: “It is great to be here in Athy today for the official opening of the new Athy by-pass ahead of schedule. It is an important day for residents and businesses in Athy, and those who visit the town.
“The road will ease traffic congestion in Athy’s historic town centre and reduce journey times. It will create a safer travel environment and improve public transport accessibility.
“It also incorporates a network of pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure which is connected to residential communities, schools, recreational spaces, public transport and businesses. I hope the 5.8km of combined walking and cycling infrastructure will be used by young and old, benefitting the whole community.”
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: “Kildare County Council is delighted to have reached this important milestone and bring this significant infrastructure project for Athy and for Kildare to fruition. We are delighted to welcome Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the official opening of the Athy Distributor Road and look forward to now seeing the many benefits of the project; including a safer travel environment, reduced journey times and communities enjoying the new cycleways and footpaths.”
“Like any major infrastructure project on this scale, it wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships and collaboration, working together towards a shared goal. I’d like to thank all those who have been involved in the project at every step and milestone over the years, who have all contributed so significantly to get the project to this point.”
