Explanation for 'slower' roads

A number of motorists who regularly use the N9 between Kilcullen and Naas have been bemused by the fact that the road has apparently lost its status.

In the recent changeover to metric speed limits, the road has apparently been downgraded from a National Route by the imposition of an 80 km/h speed limit, replacing the previous 60mph limit which on other National Routes is now 100 km/h.

Although the N9 is no longer the main road to Dublin from Waterford in practical terms, it IS the main non-motorway road to Dublin, as it was always before the advent of the M9 Kilcullen Bypass.

However, the explanation is simple. Kildare County Council Information Officer Charlie Talbot told Kilcullen Diary that when a main National Route is 'rerouted' such as by a bypass, the original road automatically becomes a Regional Road. And in the recent changeover, all Regional Roads acquired 80 km/h speed limit status.

The Diary has also received a similar query about the dual carriageway link between Naas and Newbridge, now subject to an 80 km/h limit although it is still apparently the National Route alternative to the motorway Newbridge Bypass. The same explanation applies.

©2005 Brian Byrne.