M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project Sees Major Progress as Year-End Approaches

Major earthworks continue across the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway project, with bridge construction at Shannonpark set to begin in the new year and the Barnahely Roundabout expected to reopen to two-way traffic within days. BAM contractors have provided a comprehensive update on works progressing across multiple locations, with several traffic management changes planned for January 2026.

At Shannonpark, earthworks are advancing on both eastern and western sides of the major cut, with fill placement ongoing. Significant progress has been made on culverts north and east of Shannonpark for stream diversion in the area. Construction of the north abutment for the bridge at Shannonpark Interchange is scheduled to commence in the new year.

In Rochestown, excavation works near the N28 off-ramp continue in preparation for a new retaining wall, with sheet piling works currently underway. These works will extend into the new year. A lane closure on the N28 off-ramp at Rochestown will return in the new year for several weeks to support the ongoing retaining wall construction.

Along Carr's Hill, westbound verge excavation and filling activities are underway and will continue for the next couple of months. Excavation for the new Maryborough to Carr's Hill link road is scheduled to begin following the Christmas break.

Traffic management measures remain in place to support these works. The temporary speed limit reduction between Rochestown Bridge and Carr's Hill remains active, with all road users asked to drive with care through this section.

On 2 January 2026, the hard shoulder on the southbound N28 between Maryborough and Carr's Hill will close for approximately two weeks to accommodate upcoming works. Intermittent traffic management will continue on Board of Works Road to allow plant crossings, with timings dependent on weather conditions.

Plant crossings on Ballinrea Road will begin in the new year, with flagmen in place during working hours to ensure safety. Traffic management on the R609 (Carrigaline Road), east of the N28, will be introduced in January 2026, with flagmen managing plant crossings during daytime working hours.

On the Ringaskiddy Relief Road at Loughbeg, bulk earthworks are complete at the new entrance into Ringport Business Park. Drainage, ducting, service diversions and accommodation works are ongoing in this area, with two-way traffic continuing on a temporary contraflow arrangement on the eastern side of the roundabout.

The installation of the noise barrier is progressing well on the mainline near Old Post Office Road and will commence shortly at the Ringaskiddy end of the scheme. The installation of the vehicle restraint barrier is nearing completion, and the majority of traffic signage is installed throughout the scheme.

On Old Post Office Road, surfacing works and street light installation were completed in the last week. Temporary tower lighting will be erected to facilitate opening the underpass to pedestrians and cyclists while awaiting the power connection for street lighting.

At Barnahely Roundabout, traffic continues to operate on the northbound lane under a one-way system while works progress. Significant progress has been made on both the eastern and northern approaches, with preparations for final road surfacing now well advanced. Surfacing works are scheduled to begin early next week, with the roundabout expected to reopen to two-way traffic by the end of the week.

Following completion of this phase, works will move to the Johnson & Johnson junction and the northern tie-in area in January, which will include the installation of two new bus stops.

The M28 Project Team has acknowledged and thanked all road users for their continued patience and cooperation during these works.

For queries regarding construction works, contact Des Gilsenan, Public Relations Officer for BAM, by email at m28queries@bam.com or by phone at 1800 816197.