Photo: LCC: David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, and John Pentony, Managing Director of Jons Civil Engineering Ltd, pictured at the contract signing for the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan Road Realignment Scheme
Louth County Council has signed a contract with Jons Civil Engineering Ltd for the delivery of the N53 Hackballscross to Rassan Road Realignment Scheme, marking a major investment in road infrastructure in County Louth.
The N53 is a key transport route linking Dundalk and Castleblayney and providing an important connection to the N2, making it a vital corridor between the northeast and northwest.
The project will see approximately 3.3 kilometres of the existing N53 realigned, starting near Hackballscross in the townland of Carrickastuck and continuing west through Annaghvacky and Shanmullagh before rejoining the existing road at Rassan.
The scheme will deliver significant improvements to road safety, capacity and drainage. Works will include a widened carriageway with hard shoulders and verges, upgraded junctions, a new link road and enhanced drainage infrastructure designed to address issues such as surface water runoff and ponding.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, welcomed the project.
“This is a very important investment for the people of County Louth. The N53 serves local communities every day, and this scheme will make a real difference by improving safety while also making day-to-day journeys more reliable. It will support connectivity, reduce risks, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses across the county.”
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, saying: “This scheme demonstrates our commitment to delivering on key national and regional transport priorities. Upgrading the N53 will enhance road safety and support sustainable economic growth. Working in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and our project stakeholders, we are pleased to see this vital project move into the construction phase.”
The project is expected to take approximately 14 months to complete and is fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Westmeath National Roads Office is the scheme designer, while Atkins Réalis will act as Employer’s Representative.
