A handy way for commuters to plan their journeys around the roadworks
Surfacing works being carried out on the R611 as part of the M28 project (Image: M28 Team)
As roadworks continue on the ambitious M28 motorway project linking Cork directly with Ringaskiddy, a new app has been launched to help keep locals up to date and monitor any traffic disruptions caused by the ongoing works.
Late last year, the team launched a website offering the public an up-close and personal look at the project. The site can be used to monitor live traffic updates showing estimated journey times for commuters driving towards Cork city from Ringaskiddy and the Shannonpark Roundabout, located just outside Carrigaline.
This new app gives commuters an easy way to access these cameras while out and about, allowing them to plan their journeys in advance. Similar cameras were set up on the Dunkettle throughout its construction and were a hit with commuters, so much so that there’s been a push to reactivate them.
The app – simply named M28 – is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, and, in addition to the features mentioned above, it provides details of upcoming works, live journey times, and push‑notification alerts for incidents or accidents.
Looking at the project more broadly, works are continuing in the Rochestown area where retaining walls are being built alongside the existing N28 off‑ramp. Road widening and investigative works are also being carried out to lay the groundwork for future activity
Excavation works are continuing at Mount Oval, Maryborough, Carr’s Hill, with motorists advised to follow all on-street traffic guidelines. Work is also progressing well at the Shannonpark roundabout, where road surfacing works are underway.
Now looking ahead, works to connect the existing L2473 to a new roundabout are scheduled to begin within the next couple of weeks and along the R611, service crossings are planned to take place during night‑time hours towards the end of April and into early May to minimise traffic disruption. At Shanbally, road crossings will continue to be used by construction machinery during working hours.
Drivers have been advised that traffic management measures remain in place to support ongoing works. On the Rochestown off‑ramp from the existing N28, a lane closure continues. This arrangement will temporarily extend onto Rochestown Road next week to facilitate investigation works. Following the May Bank Holiday weekend, the off‑ramp to Rochestown Road will operate with a single lane for a number of weeks to allow construction of a retaining wall to go ahead.
The N28 between Rochestown and Carr’s Hill has also been reduced to one lane in each direction, and road users are reminded to proceed with care. This single‑lane arrangement will extend further north after the May bank holiday weekend.
There will be no rock excavation by means of controlled blasting in the coming weeks. However, such work is due to recommence in May.
The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway Scheme involves the construction of 11km of roads connecting the N40 to one of our largest pharmaceutical hubs. The project will alleviate pressure on the strained N28, which wasn’t built to handle the volume it has seen in recent years.
The website launched last year also features everything from construction updates and project maps to 3D visualisations of major junctions, so people can get a real feel for the project before its expected completion in summer 2028.
The 3D tour currently shows what the upgrade works will look like at five major junctions: Rochestown, Maryborough, Carr’s Hill, Shannonpark and Shanbally. Work on the project commenced last April after receiving Cabinet approval. The road has been funded for approximately €456 million, and once completed, it will represent a major transport upgrade for Cork.