Major M28 Works to Include Controlled Blasting and Six-Month Hard Shoulder Closure
M28 works intensify with controlled blasting from next week and six-month hard shoulder closure starting soon.
Construction on Cork's M28 motorway upgrade will intensify over the coming weeks, with controlled explosions scheduled to begin north of Shannon Park Roundabout and significant traffic disruptions planned for the Carr's Hill to Maryborough Bridge stretch.
The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project has entered a critical phase as BAM continues extensive earthworks across multiple locations. Rock excavation using controlled blasting commenced in the cutting area north of Shannon Park Roundabout, with the next blast scheduled for the week beginning 15th September 2025.
Local residents will receive advance notification of specific blast times, warning signals and protective measures. The blasting operations comply with statutory requirements and safety codes to prevent adverse impacts on the public, property and environment.
A major traffic management change will see the northbound hard shoulder between Carr's Hill and Maryborough Bridge close for approximately six months, beginning in two weeks' time. This represents one of the most significant traffic disruptions since the project commenced.
Construction activity spans multiple areas simultaneously. Site clearance continues at Carr's Hill, Maryborough Hill and Rochestown, while a new site compound is being established between Rochestown Rise and the existing N28. Stream diversion works and culvert construction are progressing to enable further earthworks.
The project will begin topsoiling embankments from Shannonpark to Carr's Hill in the coming period. Material imports to Shanbally Interchange continue, with lorries travelling along the N28 from the R613 in Ringaskiddy before turning left at Shanbally roundabout.
Traffic monitoring cameras will be installed along the existing N28 from Rochestown to Ringaskiddy in the coming weeks, requiring localised traffic management. A plant crossing installation at Cogan's Lane and Rock Road will also require temporary traffic controls.
Des Gilsenan, Public Relations Officer for BAM, can be contacted regarding construction queries at m28queries@bam.com or 1800 816197.
Meanwhile, the Ringaskiddy Urban Realm and Active Travel Project reached a significant milestone with its official opening last Wednesday, 3rd September. Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD and County Cork Mayor Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley attended the ceremony to mark completion of the scheme's main works.
The urban realm project has transformed Ringaskiddy village with new parking bays, completed footpaths and vibrant landscaping. Minor finishing works continue, including traffic signal commissioning and new public lighting installation.
Work on the Ringaskiddy Relief Road progresses with final surfacing and line markings completed on Ringaskiddy Roundabout last week. The L6517 Loughbeg Road remains reduced to one lane to allow carriageway realignment works.
Old Post Office Road remains closed until December while underpass construction continues. Backfilling is mostly complete, with northern wingwalls due for installation this week. The realigned L6474 at Barnahely Roundabout has reopened to traffic.
The M28 Project Team acknowledged road users' patience during the ongoing works, which represent one of Cork's most significant infrastructure developments in recent years.
