M28 Cork To Ringaskiddy: Bridge Beams Installed At Shannonpark As Works Progress Across Project

A major milestone has been reached on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy scheme, with the installation of bridge beams complete at the Shannon Park structure. The update, issued by the M28 project team on 4 September 2026, also confirms new traffic management measures beginning next week at several locations along the route.

In the Rochestown area, retaining wall construction along the Rochestown off-ramp remains ongoing. Excavation works have started on the south side of Rochestown Road for a new bridge structure, with service diversions required before foundation works can progress further. Site clearance works on the N28 on-ramp are due to begin next week, and upgrade works to the existing N28 bridge surface remain ongoing.

At Mount Oval, excavation works for the new slip road continue. At Maryborough Hill, construction of the temporary access road to the recently installed temporary bridge is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Along the Maryborough to Carr's Hill link road, kerbing works are progressing well, with surfacing scheduled as the next stage of construction.

In the Shannonpark area, verge works along the L2473 remain ongoing. Surfacing works on the new section of road towards Carrigaline (R611) are currently planned to begin in mid-September.

The headline development this week came at the Shannon Park structure, where installation of the bridge beams has been successfully completed. The bridge comprises ten precast concrete beams, each measuring approximately 29 metres in length. The beams were manufactured and supplied by Banagher Precast, Co. Offaly, and transported to site under specialist arrangements due to their size. With beam installation now complete, works will continue on the bridge deck and associated structural elements over the coming weeks.

Elsewhere on the scheme, works continue at Rock Road, with bridge beam installation planned for 22 September 2026. At Cogan's Lane, machinery crossings will continue intermittently during working hours. In Shanbally (Marion Terrace), excavation works for the new overbridge are expected to begin shortly, with foundation works due to start in early September.

Traffic management

Traffic management will be introduced on the south side of Rochestown Road from Monday, 7 September 2026, to facilitate bridge foundation works. Daytime traffic management will also be required on the N28 on-ramp during site clearance activities, while the Rochestown off-ramp remains reduced to a single lane.

At Mount Oval, flagmen remain in place for plant crossings associated with the slip road works. At Maryborough Hill, local traffic management will facilitate construction of a new footpath and utility chamber.

Traffic management also remains in place on the R855 and R609 (Carrigaline Road), with flagmen managing plant crossings during working hours. Similar arrangements continue on Ballinrea Road and along the verge of the R611. At Rock Road, temporary traffic lights will be introduced from 9 September 2026. Intermittent stop/go traffic management will also remain in operation at Shanbally (Marion Terrace) during working hours.

Rock excavation by means of controlled blasting has recommenced in an area of cutting north of the Shannonpark Roundabout.

Queries regarding construction works can be directed to Des Gilsenan, Public Relations Officer for BAM, at m28queries@bam.com or 1800 816197.

Other news in the area

Cork County Council published Part 8 planning documents on 4 September 2026 for the proposed Fernhill to Ringaskiddy Pedestrian and Cycle Route. The route would run from Fernhill/Rock Road through Cogan's Lane and Shanbally to the junction of the R613 and N28 at Barnahely, passing through the townlands of Carrigaline, Ballyhemiken, Carrigaline East, Raffeen, Shanbally, Barnahely and Loughbeg. It is intended to provide safe and high-quality connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, linking with other greenways to facilitate sustainable connectivity to community amenities, sporting and educational facilities, and residential areas along the corridor, as well as sustainable travel to work in the Ringaskiddy industries.

Proposed works include new footpaths and shared pedestrian and cycle paths, changes to kerb lines and the installation of raised crossings and toucan crossings, new road signage and public lighting, sustainable urban drainage measures, public realm enhancement, and a reduction in the legal speed limit along the route.

Cork County Council has concluded, following environmental screening, that the development is not likely to have significant effects on the environment and that neither a full Environmental Impact Assessment nor a full Appropriate Assessment is required. Anyone wishing to challenge that screening decision may apply to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks of 4 September 2026.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection, or purchase for €30 per set, from 4 September until 2 October 2026, between 9am and 4pm on working days, at the Planning Counter in County Hall, Cork, or at Cork County Council's Carrigaline Area Office, Waterpark House, Church Road, Carrigaline, P43 YW71.

Submissions or observations on the proposed development may be made up to 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026, either online via Cork County Council's website or in writing, marked "Part 8 – Fernhill to Ringaskiddy Pedestrian and Cycle Route," to the Senior Engineer, Cork National Roads Office, Richmond, Glanmire, Cork, T45 WA44.