Diversions and 80kph limit plan for M7 in Laois around Portlaoise

Temporary speed limits and some nightly lane closures will impact both lanes of the M7 Motorway from Junction 17 to Junction 21 from May 29 to October 22. 

Laois County Council said the diversions and temporary speed limits are necessary to facilitate essential works which will take place on the motorway from the Togher Roundabout Junction in Portlaoise to the Rathdowney Motorway exit. 

An 80 kph speed limit will be in place on the stretch of the M7 from Junction 17 Portlaoise/Abbeyleix  to Junction 21 Rathdowney/Borris-in-Ossory during the works from May 29 to October 22.

“In accordance with the provisions of Section 75 of the above Act and Section 12 of the Roads Regulations, 1994, Laois County Council hereby serves notice that it is intended to temporarily close the M7 Westbound and Eastbound motorway between Junction 17 (Portlaoise) and Junction 21 from the 29th May to the 22nd  October 2023,” the council said. 

“Diversions will be clearly signposted between 20:00 and 06:00 hours.  Roadworks to commence over approximately thirty non-consecutive nights Westbound and approximately five nights Eastbound. Closures will not be implemented in both directions at the same time. Traffic Management Plan will be in operation throughout this period.  A map of the diversion routes will be available for inspection at www.laois.ie and at Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise,” the council stated. 

It says pavement works will also be undertaken under a series of static and mobile lane closures along the East and Westbound carriageways of the M7. 

The proposed roadworks coincide with a major project already underway on a two kilometre section of the N77 from JFL Avenue in Portlaoise out towards Abbeyleix. It is getting a €4 million upgrade as part of the N77 Abbeyleix Road Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme. That work is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2023. 

Anyone wishing to make observations on the proposed temporary M7 closures can do so by email to roadsadmin@laoiscoco.ie, or in writing to the Administrative Officer, Roads Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise by Friday, May 19 at 4pm.

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A map showing the speed limit reduction may be inspected at the offices of Laois County Council, County Hall, Portlaoise, during normal opening hours. The information will also be available to view at www.laois.ie