M7 Motorway (general thread)

starlit

csd wrote: »

Two observations from a trip down the M7 and M8 today.

1. There are very noticeable km posts every 500 metres from the start of the M7 at Naas (Maudlins) all the way to the southern end of the Portlaoise bypass. The zero datum appears to be the start of the N7 at M50 J9. I presume these are for driver location purposes in the event of breakdowns/accidents. Have any other motorways received this treatment?

However, further south, there are marker posts every 100 m on the PPP sections of the M7/M8, but their zero datums appear to be Cork and Limerick rather than Dublin.

2. It looks like some sort of wrong-way driver warning system is being installed on the Portlaoise bypass. There are matrix displays attached to the cantilever gantries facing the opposite way to the direction of travel. I presume there's some sort of detector on the slip road that can determine if a vehicle is coming down the wrong way and activate these electronic signs. Does anyone know anything more about this?

Thanks,

/csd

No never spotted that. There arent many fly overs along m7. Iv not been on m8 but on m9 ya but never noticed what you on about i am sure there are other means getting off m7 if you took wrong exit?

ItHurtsWhenIP

csd wrote: »

1. There are very noticeable km posts every 500 metres from the start of the M7 at Naas (Maudlins) all the way to the southern end of the Portlaoise bypass. The zero datum appears to be the start of the N7 at M50 J9. I presume these are for driver location purposes in the event of breakdowns/accidents. Have any other motorways received this treatment?

Yeah - they're trialling options to help emergency services locate accidents more accurately. If you also look at the very edge of the tarmac by those posts, there is some white marking on the the ground. These occur every 100m and are a different version for the same purposes (AFAIK). In these recessionary times I would have thought these painted markings would be cheaper than the 0.5km posts (though maybe not as long lasting).

csd wrote: »

However, further south, there are marker posts every 100 m on the PPP sections of the M7/M8, but their zero datums appear to be Cork and Limerick rather than Dublin.

I can't say I've noticed those. I use the M7 every couple of weeks. Whereabouts (geographically) are they?

csd wrote: »

2. It looks like some sort of wrong-way driver warning system is being installed on the Portlaoise bypass. There are matrix displays attached to the cantilever gantries facing the opposite way to the direction of travel. I presume there's some sort of detector on the slip road that can determine if a vehicle is coming down the wrong way and activate these electronic signs. Does anyone know anything more about this?

Those have been there for more than a year at least. The wife pointed them out to me last year. They're a great idea, it's a pity there aren't more of them out there. However having read the tragic stories of people being killed while going the wrong way, you hear of loads of witnesses saying that they were flashed and beeped at and the driver kept on going, apparently oblivious to their error. So having some sign saying your going the wrong way may not work either.

I would hope that if these do get triggered that a control center somewhere gets notified and traffic cameras show whether the driver did or did not turn back.

As to the detector - If Lidl can have something in their entrances that set of an alarm if somebody tries to exit by the entrance, then I think it must be as easy to detect a car approaching a gantry.

csd

MMFITWGDV wrote: »

I can't say I've noticed those. I use the M7 every couple of weeks. Whereabouts (geographically) are they?

The specific section I was referring to is the M7/M8 Castletown/Nenagh scheme, immediately south of Portlaoise (ie the tolled section). Other PPP schemes also have these marker posts every 100m, often with a little arrow pointing to the closest SOS phone.

Examples:

• On the M1, marker posts every 100 metres measured from the M50 zero datum on the PPP section (junctions 7 to 18)
• On the M8 Fermoy bypass, markers every 500 metres measured from the Cork end
• On the N25 Waterford bypass, every 100 m, zero datum appears to be Rosslare

/csd

L1011

The farm access bridge on the Naas bypass looks to have taken another smack, based on the inspection crews at it.

Deedsie

Friday evening traffic coming out of Dublin for the last few weeks has been horrendous, tailbacks on the M50 trying to get off at junction 9 (N7 south), Newlands cross and the Naas dual carriageway out to junction 11 (M9) on the M7 motorway. I find it really hard to believe that Newlands cross flyover will alleviate all of this. I think as soon as the Newlands cross flyover is done the M7 from junction 9 to junction 11 should be widened to 3 lanes?

Is there any possibility of this ever happening? If so how long would the build phase of a project like this take? Is it even feasible for the government to consider a project like this? Or are the more important projects to do first?

http://nra.ie/mapping/n7-naas-newbridge-bypass-/index.xml

It's being planned anyway, hopefully it will happen at some stage.

richiek83

Deedsie wrote: »

Friday evening traffic coming out of Dublin for the last few weeks has been horrendous, tailbacks on the M50 trying to get off at junction 9 (N7 south), Newlands cross and the Naas dual carriageway out to junction 11 (M9) on the M7 motorway. I find it really hard to believe that Newlands cross flyover will alleviate all of this. I think as soon as the Newlands cross flyover is done the M7 from junction 9 to junction 11 should be widened to 3 lanes?

Is there any possibility of this ever happening? If so how long would the build phase of a project like this take? Is it even feasible for the government to consider a project like this? Or are the more important projects to do first?

http://nra.ie/mapping/n7-naas-newbridge-bypass-/index.xml

It's being planned anyway, hopefully it will happen at some stage.

Hi Deedsie,

This project will happen. As the link states, it is currently in planning and was discussed at the Kildare County Council monthly meeting back in May/ June. The present Government when it came to power stopped the bulk of schemes that were in planning by the NRA. However, this project seems to have quietly came on the list. The NRA publishedt the proposed plans during the summer for public consultation. WIth the Kerry Group due to locate their World R&D centre in Naas, you can be sure that this project will probably go to construction within the next three to four years. AADT on the route is approx 65,000 plus. The design for motorways is 55,000. If the improvement in the economy is sustained, traffic on the route is likely to get worse.

Deedsie

richiek83 wrote: »

Hi Deedsie,

This project will happen. As the link states, it is currently in planning and was discussed at the Kildare County Council monthly meeting back in May/ June. The present Government when it came to power stopped the bulk of schemes that were in planning by the NRA. However, this project seems to have quietly came on the list. The NRA publishedt the proposed plans during the summer for public consultation. WIth the Kerry Group due to locate their World R&D centre in Naas, you can be sure that this project will probably go to construction within the next three to four years. AADT on the route is approx 65,000 plus. The design for motorways is 55,000. If the improvement in the economy is sustained, traffic on the route is likely to get worse.

Very good, it would be of great benefit to an awful lot of people it seems. Could it be fast tracked or is it 3 to 4 years before construction starts at a minimum?

richiek83

Deedsie wrote: »

Very good, it would be of great benefit to an awful lot of people it seems. Could it be fast tracked or is it 3 to 4 years before construction starts at a minimum?

I could be fast tracked but that will be a decision for the Govt and NRA. The Government's policy is for very limited new road developments over the next few years and instead the focus will be on maintaining the existing network. This in theory might fit into the latter. 3 to 4 years was a guess on my part. It will be in the Government's interest to proceed with this project in the short to medium term. When Newlands Cross is finished, delays from Naas By-Pass Southbound to M7/ M9 will only get worse. This will therefore hamper the efficiency of the network and eat into the time savings of the Newlands Cross scheme which would be factored in to the cost benefit analysis. There may have been promises by Govt to the Kerry Group when they decided to locate in Naas. If that is the case, then construction should definitely start in the next 3 to 4 years.

NedNew2

I was at the public consultation and was told that detailed design and tender issue would take place in 2014 with planned construction to begin in 2015.

Dependent on funding of course.

Deedsie

NedNew2 wrote: »

I was at the public consultation and was told that detailed design and tender issue would take place in 2014 with planned construction to begin in 2015.

Dependent on funding of course.

Sounds promising, badly needs to be done... Hopefully the funding will be made available.

richiek83

Deedsie wrote: »

Sounds promising, badly needs to be done... Hopefully the funding will be made available.

The M7 Widening Scheme will shortly be submitted to ABP for approval.

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/media/M7%20Naas%20Upgrade%20-%20140110.pdf

richiek83

richiek83 wrote: »

The M7 Widening Scheme will shortly be submitted to ABP for approval.

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/media/M7%20Naas%20Upgrade%20-%20140110.pdf

Folks,

EIS of the M7 Widening is now online at the following link.

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Nati...e2013/EIS-EIA/

mydiscworld

NedNew2 wrote: »

I was at the public consultation and was told that detailed design and tender issue would take place in 2014 with planned construction to begin in 2015.

Dependent on funding of course.

Any estimate on the overall cost? With the EIS now done, this could be moved forward with Govt backing.

ongarboy

Sorry, I know it's slightly off topic but driving back after Christmas, I noticed major construction work of massive 4/5 storey blocks to the southside of the M7 near Naas. Does anyone know what is being built and for whom?

L1011

ongarboy wrote: »

Sorry, I know it's slightly off topic but driving back after Christmas, I noticed major construction work of massive 4/5 storey blocks to the southside of the M7 near Naas. Does anyone know what is being built and for whom?

Kerry Foods R&D centre. Its on-topic as the widening and the new interchange for Osberstown are realistically only being progressed due to it.

rameire

if it is beside the volvo maintenance yard, the massive site,

http://webgis.kildarecoco.ie/PlanningEnquiry/

planning ref 13500018

it looks like the Kerry plant.

edit, as above, spent too much time looking at the drawing plans, before I replied

richiek83

Motorway Order has now been sent to ABP for approval for Osberstown Interchange and Sallins ByPass.

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/media/M7%20Osberstown%20Interchange%20-%20L%20Leader%20-%20140117.pdf

spacetweek

richiek83 wrote: »

Motorway Order has now been sent to ABP for approval for Osberstown Interchange and Sallins ByPass.

http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/media/M7%20Osberstown%20Interchange%20-%20L%20Leader%20-%20140117.pdf

ABP to decide on this by 28th August.

spacetweek

They will also by the same date decide on the widening from Naas to the M9.

marno21

Is the M7 closed 24h a day at the minute between J16 and J15 eastbound? AA Roadwatch's report about it is unclear

LAOIS /M7: Between 8pm and 6am the following day, the M7 Limerick/ Dublin Rd will be closed northbound between J16 Portlaoise East and J15 Ballybrittas until 11:30pm Fri 29th May for works. Diversions will be signposted.

niloc1951

Why is the new surface on the eastbound carriageway between jct. 18 and 16 so rough.
The internal road noise increases dramatically compared with other sections of the motorway when travelling over the section.
Has this rough noisy surface some superior qualities that the quieter surfaces used elsewhere or it it just the result of the incompetence of a particular contractor unable to lay the stuff properly.

If its poor workmanship how does such work get signed off and good taxpayers money handed over.

Carawaystick

It could be to allow faster soakage of rainwater. This is noisier than waterproof asphalt.

niloc1951

Carawaystick wrote: »

It could be to allow faster soakage of rainwater. This is noisier than waterproof asphalt.

Maybe so, but what difference does the rippling effect make and if its superior soakage is the reason it's used, why are smooth and quiet surfaces being specified elsewhere.
AFAIK that area of County Laois is not particularly wet compared to other parts of the country, in fact is probably dryer.

TBH I think is just a poor quality job.

Mc Love

The bit I hate is around Portlaoise, as soon as you leave the smooth tarmac near the toll and come on to the noisy stuff near the midway hotel.

marno21

Was it penny pinching or is there a reason why there's no hard shoulder over the bridge here?

https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.7897909,-8.3533726,3a,28.5y,247.88h,84.26t/

marno21

VMS was switched on this evening on the M7 westbound, 2km before the Birdhill junction and also on the one attached to the cantilever before the offramp. Simply read '(!) Sign under test', was expecting to see 'Surface water slow down' or 'Use your lights'

marno21

M7 PPP section closed due to "surface damage" west of J18. M8 also affected. Anyone know what happened?

MrSing

marno21 wrote: »

M7 PPP section closed due to "surface damage" west of J18. M8 also affected. Anyone know what happened?

Massive pothole at an over bridge, at least 20 cars damaged, road closed for nearly 3 hours.

marno21

Picture of said pothole:

Mc Love

That's a crater on the moon!!

Chris_5339762

Thats a shocker alright. Totally justified to close it for that.

niloc1951

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread.
I've just travelled the recently resurfaced section of the N20 north of Blarney and it has been laid with the ripple or corrugated effect sometimes found on other stretches of recently surfaced roads.
This surface transmits unwanted vibrations into the vehicle and must increase the rate of tyre and suspension wear, not to mention driver fatigue.

What are the benefits of this type of surface or is it simply the result of incompetent workmanship.

Kevwoody

niloc1951 wrote:

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread. I've just travelled the recently resurfaced section of the N20 north of Blarney and it has been laid with the ripple or corrugated effect sometimes found on other stretches of recently surfaced roads. This surface transmits unwanted vibrations into the vehicle and must increase the rate of tyre and suspension wear, not to mention driver fatigue.

Are you sure you weren't driving on a section that has been "planned"? The planing machine leaves a ribbed finish behind it.
These overlay works are not due for completion until the end of August, I'd say it was an unfinished section you were on.

niloc1951

Kevwoody wrote: »

Are you sure you weren't driving on a section that has been "planned"? The planing machine leaves a ribbed finish behind it.
These overlay works are not due for completion until the end of August, I'd say it was an unfinished section you were on.

No definitely not.
The corrugated effect was crossways on the newly laid section.

Kevwoody

niloc1951 wrote:

No definitely not. The corrugated effect was crossways on the newly laid section.

I meant to reply here this evening. I drove from Cork to Mallow earlier and I see exactly what you mean! It's the bumpiest section of newly laid road I've ever driven on.
You can actually feel the difference in smoothness when you go back onto the old section!
I've no idea why it was laid like that?

NedNew2

30km of M7 to be resurfaced apparently

https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/426008/30km-stretch-of-one-side-of-m7-motorway-to-shut-overnight-for-nearly-2-months.html

Around 30km of the M7 motorway will be closed overnight for most of July and August between Kildare Village and Portlaoise.

The 8pm to 6am shutdown on eastbound lanes between July 8 and August 28 is for resurfacing the road.

Kildare County Council said that (on behalf of Laois County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland) it gives notice, in accordance with Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, that it intends to close:

The M7 Eastbound (Overnight Closures) between Junction 16 (Portlaoise) and Junction 13 (Kildare).
The M7 Junction 15 Eastbound merge slip road (Overnight Closures)
The M7 Junction 14 Eastbound merge slip road (Overnight Closures)

Dates of the closure:

Monday, 8 July 2019 to Wednesday, August 28 2019

Hours of closure:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 20.00 to 06.00 hrs

Fridays and Saturdays: 21.00 to 08.00 hrs

Sundays: 22.00 to 06.00 hrs

These closures are required to facilitate the resurfacing of the pavement.

M7 Diversion route:-

Divert from the M7 at Junction 16 (Portlaoise). Take the second exit from the roundabout towards the R445. At the next roundabout, take the second exit from the roundabout onto the R445 towards Monasterevin. Continue on the R445 for approximately 25.5km until the Junction with the R415. At the traffic lights junction, traffic should take the right turn and proceed along the R415 towards M7, Junction 13. Traffic to proceed through the Kildare Village roundabout and then take the first exit on the roundabout, joining the M7 Motorway using the eastbound merge slip ramp.

Merge slip road diversion route:-

Traffic, at either Junction 15 or 14, intending to travel east on the M7, should follow the diversion signage to the R445, and then proceed towards Junction 13, as described in the above M7 Diversion route.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted, as agreed with the Council and An Garda Síochána. Local and emergency access will be allowed at all times.

Any objections/observations should be lodged in writing to Senior Executive Officer, Roads, Transport & Public Safety Level 4, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, on or before 5.00 p.m on Tuesday 25 June 2019.