M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road Project Sees Major Progress as Traffic Changes Planned

Major construction work on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road upgrade is advancing steadily, with embankment building, culvert installations and rock blasting all progressing well according to the latest update from the project team issued today.

The ambitious project, which includes both the main M28 upgrade and the Ringaskiddy Relief Road, has reached several significant milestones as it approaches its second year of construction. Drivers should note that important traffic management changes are scheduled to come into effect from 3 November.

At Shannonpark, embankment construction on both sides of the existing road continues to take shape, with stream diversion works also moving forward. Foundation work for new culverts has been completed, and the installation of structural sections is scheduled for the coming weeks. A watermain diversion north of Shannonpark remains ongoing, with Irish Water due to connect into the system on 12 November.

Culvert construction at Carr's Hill is making steady progress. Once complete, earthworks will begin for the new interchange at the site. Topsoil stripping for the new Maryborough to Carr's Hill link road started last week, with bulk earthworks set to follow.

Works to install live traffic monitoring cameras along the N28 between Rochestown and Ringaskiddy Village are currently underway. These works are being carried out under localised traffic management, including stop and go arrangements at Shanbally Roundabout.

A temporary speed limit reduction from 100 km/h to 60 km/h on the N28 between Rochestown Bridge and Carr's Hill came into effect on 15 October 2025 and will remain in place until 15 October 2026. Road users are advised to drive with care through this section.

From 3 November, the northbound hard shoulder of the N28 between Carr's Hill and Maryborough Road Bridge will be closed for approximately six months to facilitate construction of a retaining wall for the new link road. Traffic management will also operate on the R855, the Douglas to Carrigaline Road, to accommodate plant crossings, with flagmen in place during daytime working hours.

Advance notice has been given that traffic management will be required on Rochestown Road Bridge for investigative works scheduled for mid-November. These works will be carried out at night, both beneath the bridge on the R610 and on top of the bridge along the existing N28, to minimise disruption to road users.

Controlled rock blasting north of Shannonpark Roundabout is progressing well and has been key to advancing the ongoing rock excavation works. Blasting is taking place twice a week, and the contractor remains in regular contact with those directly affected to ensure everyone is kept informed and that disruption is kept to a minimum.

On the Ringaskiddy Relief Road section, kerbing, footpaths and surfacing works have been ongoing for the past week on the realigned Loughbeg Road and Roundabout, with traffic due to be switched onto the new alignment next week. Traffic will remain reduced to a single lane along the new alignment until the end of November to facilitate construction of the new entrance to Ringport Business Park and tie-in works at the new roundabout.

On the mainline, pavement installation is continuing, with works to install environmental noise barriers between Loughbeg Roundabout and Barnahely Roundabout due to commence in the coming weeks. The pedestrian underpass on Old Post Office Road is on programme to be complete and open by mid-December.

At Barnahely Roundabout, traffic continues to operate on the northbound lane of the new roundabout under a one-way system. Works to complete the roundabout are ongoing, with surfacing on the approach road from Carrigaline now largely complete. In the coming weeks, the focus will shift to the approach arm on the Ringaskiddy side of the roundabout. Once these works are complete, the roundabout will open to two-way traffic, after which tie-in works to the J&J entrance and the installation of new bus stops will commence.

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

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