N33 Barrier Proposal Could End Overtaking Between M1 and Ardee
Plans are currently under development to install a central physical barrier along the entire stretch of the N33, a move designed to enhance driver safety but one that will permanently eliminate overtaking opportunities and alter local access points.
Under the same scheme, the Sean O’Carroll Street link connecting from the Ardee Business Park would be converted to a left-turn-only layout. Motorists travelling east toward the capital or intermediate points would be required to turn left, proceed to the nearby roundabout, and double back.
Council Outline Early Stage Drawings
Louth County Council Senior Engineer Mark Johnson revealed details of the initiative during a council meeting, explaining that the local authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have initiated initial draft designs, though implementation is not expected within the current year.
The discussion followed a query raised by Cllr Rachel Kerley (FG), who highlighted that executing a right turn from the Ardee business park link onto the N33 remains an “extremely difficult” manoeuvre for drivers.
Responding to the safety concerns, Mr Johnson noted that TII is pursuing a comprehensive intervention. Due to the limited number of access points along the N33 corridor, installing a total segregation barrier is viewed as a practical undertaking.
🚧 Key Proposed Changes
- Central Barrier: Total physical segregation spanning the route from Junction 14 of the M1 into Ardee.
- No Overtaking: Permanent removal of passing lanes due to the dual-carriageway or single-carriageway barrier configuration.
- Junction Alterations: Sean O’Carroll Street link restricted to left turns only, necessitating a trip to the roundabout for eastbound traffic.
Addressing Regional Road Safety Concerns
Earlier in the session, Cllr Michelle Hall (Lab) urged that road safety initiatives be prioritized in light of troubling collision statistics across County Louth. Mr Johnson echoed these concerns, acknowledging that local fatalities represent a significant challenge for the region.
Data compiled by the Road Safety Authority indicated eight road deaths in County Louth by late July—nearly matching the total recorded for the entirety of the previous year—while An Garda Síochána figures for the wider Louth-Cavan-Monaghan division stand at 14.
“The road-safety interventions all help, and the speed-limit review will help as well, dropping speeds down to 30 in town centres,” Mr Johnson added. “We are working with the TII to make the roads safer.”
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