Outer Ring Road
The Waterford Outer Ring Road, opened on September 30th 2005 by the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen T.D., connects the existing roundabout at Farranshoneen on the Williamstown Road to the main Cork Road (N25) just east of the Holy Cross junction. This is a total distance of 6.8 km.
The road is a dual carriageway with two 3.75 metre lanes in each direction. The centre median is a 2.6 metres wide and incorporates a permanent concrete safety barrier to separate the carriageways. The verges on each side are 5.5 metres wide and incorporate footpaths, cycleways and public lighting along the entire route.
The main contract for the construction of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) commenced on the 19th of January 2004 with a completion period of 24 months. Coffey Construction Ltd., an Irish company based in Co. Mayo, was the main contractor. The construction progressed in three distinct stages and these are outlined below :
Stage 1 - March 2004 to September 2004- The entire site was initially fenced.
- All major earthworks were carried out.
This involved excavating through the sections cut out and filling the embankment areas. Surplus suitable material arising from the cut operations was deposited in the Waterford City Municipal Golf Course that adjoins the scheme at Williamstown. The course is now screened from the new road and an otherwise unused sloping area was converted into a driving range. Initial drainage and provision of ducting for services were also completed during this period.
Stage 2 - September 2004 to March 2005
- The Lacken Road bridge, which carries traffic over the new Outer Ring Road, was substantially completed.
- The roundabouts, which form the junctions with the existing road network, were substantially progressed.
- Two major rock areas were excavated. The rock material was processed and stockpiled for use as a road-building material itself and use in the production of road surfacing (bituminous) materials.
- Drainage work was also completed throughout the scheme.
Stage 3 - April 2005 to September 2005 - The final road surfacing took place in this phase.
- Permanent fencing along the scheme was completed.
- The entire scheme was landscaped with in excess of 80,000 plants.
- The Lacken Road bridge was opened to traffic.
- The roundabout junctions along the scheme were completed with the deflecting islands being brick paved.
- The construction of the central median barrier was started and completed.
- Lining and signing commenced.
