Disruption expected on N77 Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise until 2024

Motorists can expect traffic disruption on the N77 Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise for the rest of the year. 

The disruption will arise as a two kilometre section of the N77 from JFL Avenue in Portlaoise out towards Abbeyleix gets a €4 million upgrade as part of the N77 Abbeyleix Road Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme. 

The work is being carried out in sections and will require temporary traffic arrangements.

The project is expected to cause traffic disruption at different times in areas such as around O’Moore Park, at Portlaoise Garda Station and at the ESB Networks National Training Centre on the Abbeyleix Road. 

Laois County Council Director of Service Simon Walton said the project will inevitably cause some traffic delays.  

“Works on the N77 Scheme will commence mid-April. Completion of the entire Scheme is likely to be the first quarter of 2024. We will update on that as the Scheme progresses,” Mr Walton stated. 

He explained that the scheme covers roughly 2km on the N77 Abbeyleix Road, from the intersection with JFL Avenue to Midway.

“The Scheme will be delivered in a number of Phases. Specific details, on the first phase of works to be completed, will be circulated shortly,” said Mr Walton. 

“Inevitably, there will be some traffic delays/disruption arising from the works,” he explained. 

“There is a convenient, alternative, route for motorists, via J17 National Enterprise Park and the Western Orbital Route, “ Mr Walton advised.  

“The alternative route will be prominently signposted for the duration of the works and provides suitable, alternative means for vehicles to access Portlaoise Town Centre, the N77/N80 National Secondary Routes and other, local routes,” he said. 

He expected specific details on the first phase of works to soon be completed and circulated by the contractor.

Major diversions on M7 Laois as national road in Portlaoise to close for works

The project follows on from the completion of a €7 million new road in Portlaoise which saw a new junction/roundabout opening on the Abbeyleix Road / Fr Brown Avenue as part of the building of a new part of the Southern Circular Road.