Work has finally got underway on phase two of the Port Access Northern Cross Route which will run from Newtown Cross to just short of the railway line near Aston Village.
The scheme will involve the construction of a new roundabout at Newtown Cross and part of the old Sandpit road near the new cemetery will become a cul de sac. The project had been due to start last September but was postponed due to technical information issues.
There has been local concern following the removal of a number of trees at Newtown Woods last week to make way for the roadworks.
Rachel McKenna posted on social media: I was absolutely appalled to see the destruction of the beautiful woodland habitat at Newtown Cross today. With the breeding season for birds and wildlife around the corner it is extremely disappointing to witness such disregard for Irish native wildlife by Louth County Council.
This roundabout and the future planned road will be used to accommodate Drogheda Port Company. The millions that will be spent on this development would be better used to clean up the estuary.
I would like to know how much more habitat will be destroyed in the construction of this infrastructure, and what are the plans to replant the removed trees in another area to offset its destruction.
Mayor Michelle Hall welcomed the commencement of PANCR 2 and advised that two roundabouts will be developed in the Newtown Cross area. She also cautioned that disruption can be expected along the Newfoundwell Road in the coming months.
Councillor Eric Donovan said he was pleased to see works begin at Aston Village.
He said: ” Works began yesterday morning and while this is a large-scale construction project I’m happy to liaise and work with the local residents should any issues arise.
This is great news for everyone in the wider Drogheda area to see expansive work taking place in the town.
The 2km road section and roundabouts are expected to cost approximately 12 million euro.
Louth County Council is set to begin discussions with Irish Rail regarding the next and most significant stage of the development, a bridge over the Dublin Belfast railway line to connect phase one and two of the M1 motorway to the port access route.
This bridge is the most costly element of the project and is expected to cost in the region of 20 million euro. The Government is expected to fund this element directly.
Previous phases have been financed through developer contributions.
It is anticipated that between five and seven thousand new homes will be built along the Northern Cross route in the years ahead.
