N13 Stranorlar to Derry
Last Updated 28/09/11
Introduction
The National Primary Route N13 links Stranorlar in Donegal with Derry City via Letterkenny, Manorcunningham, Newtowncunningham and Bridgend. The existing route is primarily single carriageway standard with a short (4.5km) section of dual carriageway. The N13 is of critical importance to the County as it provides strategic links from Letterkenny southwards to Donegal Town, Sligo, Galway, etc. and northwards to Derry and onwards to Belfast.
The Need for the Project
The town of Letterkenny (linked with Derry) has been designated in the National Spatial Strategy as one of 9 Regional Gateways. The development of the Regional Gateways is seen as fundamental to the strategy of balanced regional development and strong infrastructural links to and within the Gateways is seen as critical in this regard.
The National Primary Route N13 provides the main access to Letterkenny. The standard of this route is variable. With the exception of the 4.5km long dual carriageway section the route is already at capacity and it is expected that in the coming years, as traffic volumes increase, the level of service and road safety will begin to decline.
The planning process for major roads projects can be time consuming and it is advisable to start preparatory work early to ensure that the improvements can be delivered when they are most needed rather than several years after problems become intolerable.
Description of the Project
The aim of the project is to improve the existing N13 between Kilross and Derry City, either via an upgrade of the existing road or a new route or a combination of both.
Based on preliminary traffic projections it is expected that a Dual Carriageway will be needed to deal with the predicted traffic flows. The existing N13 is approx. 44km long. The new route will be designed to tie in to existing/planned roads infrastructure in Northern Ireland and detailed consultation will be necessary with the Northern Ireland Roads Service throughout the design process.
Current Status
Work started on feasibility studies for this project in 2008. Pre-planning was completed in 2009 and the Constraints Study has been substantially completed. In 2010 a specialist traffic consultant was appointed to review existing traffic data and prepare a scope for a new traffic model. The tender process to appoint a contractor to prepare a traffic model was started in 2010. As this project has not received a funding allocation in 2011 further work is on hold until funding becomes available.
High resolution aerial photography and ground survey data were also procured in 2010.
Next Steps
Funding for this project remains uncertain and progress to date has reflected this. Work has been done directly by Donegal County Council through it’s National Roads Design Office (NRDO) in Donegal Town or through consultants for limited works. Given the scale of the project it is unlikely that this approach will be able to continue for much longer. Key to the progress of this scheme is a commitment of the necessary funding in the short/ medium term to allow a consulting engineer to be appointed.
Further Information
Any enquiries should be forwarded to the National Roads Design Office at the Donegal Public Services Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town or telephone (074) 9724500. Alternatively e-mail design@dnrdo.ie for the attention of Brendan O’Donnell, Senior Executive Engineer or Fergus Towey, Executive Engineer.