M8 Northbound Closed Between Fermoy and Mitchelstown for Bridge Repairs

Motorists face a 48-hour closure of the M8 northbound between Junction 14 at Fermoy and Junction 13 at Mitchelstown from 07:00 this morning until Friday 7 November at 07:00, with all traffic diverted via the R639.

Cork County Council has implemented the full motorway closure to facilitate essential bridge repair works on the northbound carriageway. The closure began at 07:00 today, Wednesday 5 November, and will remain in place for 48 hours.

Traffic heading north towards Dublin will be diverted off the motorway at Junction 14 in Fermoy, with the alternative route following the R639 through Mitchelstown before rejoining the M8 at Junction 13. Local access will not be maintained during the closure period.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel, as delays are expected on the diversion route. The R639 passes through Mitchelstown town centre, where drivers should anticipate increased traffic volumes during peak hours.

The northbound closure follows a similar 48-hour closure of the southbound carriageway between the same junctions earlier this week. Cork County Council has scheduled the works in phases to minimise disruption, with each direction closed separately rather than implementing a full motorway shutdown.

Motorists travelling between Cork and Dublin during the closure period should consider alternative routes or allow significant additional journey time for the diversion. The closure affects one of Cork's busiest commuter and freight routes.

Full details of the closure are available on the Cork County Council website.