Upgrade of the R148 Leixlip to Maynooth road

Roadworks to reinstate the R148 to its original location will commence in April 2024 and will be ongoing through the remainder of the year.

A section of the R148, which lies between Leixlip and Maynooth, was realigned in 2019 to minimise the impact of construction activity happening at the Intel Ireland campus in Leixlip. With the majority of the Fab 34 works now complete, the R148 will be reinstated to its original location, with a number of significant enhancements.

The reinstatement will allow for improved traffic flow, capacity and connectivity to support the local area for years to come.

Key enhancements of the reinstated road include:
 

  • Enhanced traffic flow

    • The existing roundabout at the intersection of the R148 and R449 will be upgraded to a new T Junction, enabling better traffic flows.
    • The reinstated road will feature one through-flow lane alongside two filter lanes at the entrances of the Intel campus.
    • A new, additional entrance to Intel will ease traffic congestion in the area.
       
  • Improved safety for vulnerable road users

    • The road will feature three new pedestrian junctions with smart signalling to maximise vehicle flows and improve safety.
    • All junctions located between Kellystown Lane and Louisa Bridge will be synchronised.
    • There will be a largely separated cycle and pedestrian track on both sides of the road.
    • A bus stop, set-back from the main roadway, will feature on both sides of the road.
       
  • Environmental considerations

    • We are committed to sustainability and will be reusing elements of the R148 roadway from its original location to eliminate waste, although a complete surface replacement will still be carried out.
    • A full landscaping design has been created to surround the upgraded road.
    • The road will provide access to a Greenway cycle-track entrance at the Blakestown Level Crossing, and adjacent to the R449.
       

The roadworks will involve temporary diversions and narrowing of lanes. Where possible, roadworks will be completed outside of peak times to minimise disruptions and avoid impacts on traffic.

Continuous traffic monitoring will be in place to promptly identify and address any issues that may arise.

For the latest updates, including traffic-management information, please visit the Kildare County Council website.