The latest Government Regulations, aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19, have directed that all Construction Sites close from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with limited exceptions including “The repair, maintenance and construction of critical transport and utility infrastructure”.
Covid-19 - Capital Projects
Sligo County Council Capital Projects
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have determined that all TII-funded construction projects are considered critical transport infrastructure, but that decisions on the continuation of individual construction projects or elements of construction projects should be made on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the Government’s directions on controlling Covid-19.
Works continuing on N4-N15 Scheme
Having considered the key and critical strategic nature of the on-going works associated with the N4-N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme in an outdoor environment, Sligo County Council have determined that construction may continue, in full compliance with all Government and HSE Guidelines and Protocols relating to Covid-19.
Next Phase
The main focus of construction works will now move to works at the junctions of the N4 dual carriageway / R870 Markievicz Road and N4 dual carriageway / Duck Street Junctions. Substantial works will take place over the next number of weeks at these two junctions and will include significant service crossings and diversions.
In addition, the upcoming phase of the works includes essential enabling works in advance of significant and critical third party utility diversions required to accommodate the construction of this Scheme.
Traffic Management
The planned works associated with the next phase of construction over the next number of weeks will require extensive and significant traffic management measures. However, the very low traffic levels currently being experienced as a result of the Level 5 restrictions will greatly assist in reducing delay and disruption to traffic during the course of these planned works.
The continuation of construction on the N4-N15 Scheme at this time will also assist in mitigating delays to traffic flow as the economy begins to re-open.
Western Distributor Road
Sligo County Council confirmed on Friday that the Western Distributor Road will be opened to traffic at 4.00pm this afternoon, Monday. The road will link the N4 National Primary Road at the Caltragh interchange with the Roger Eames road Ballydoogan and to the R292 Strandhill Road. The Western Distributor Road is of major strategic importance to this region, it will provide quality access to the proposed new Business Park at Oakfield and the existing Finisklin Business Park. It will also reduce traffic congestion on the Sligo Inner Relief Road and adjoining routes and provide much improved access to the southwest of the urban area.
Housing Schemes
Social Housing projects which meet certain criteria are excluded from the closure of construction sites. Such projects must be scheduled for completion by 28th February 2021.
Two Sligo County Council social housing projects meeting the criteria for designation as Essential Projects in Sligo are:
- 28 House Scheme at Knappagh Beg, Strandhilll Road, Sligo and
- Phase 1 of the Cranmore Regeneration Refurbishment Scheme.