THE LONG-AWAITED New Ross bypass is one step closer to becoming a reality after the contract for the works was awarded by the National Roads Authority to BAM.

The €220 million project involves the crossing the River Barrow, 13.6km of dual carriageway and 1.2km of single carriageway.

The project hopes to remove a bottleneck in the South East and improve access from Cork and Waterford to the port of Rosslare.

The project also comprises three roundabout junctions at Glenmore (N25), Ballymacar Bridge (N25), Corcoran’s Cross (N30), a compact grade separated junction on the R733, a railway bridge over the disused New Ross/ Waterford railway line near Glenmore, 11 road bridges and 13 minor structures such as accommodation underpasses.

Speaking about the contract, Theo Cullinane, Chief Executive of BAM Group Ireland, said: “Following the recent opening of the new free-flow junction at Newlands Cross four months ahead of schedule and within budget, BAM is pleased to be named preferred bidder for the N25 New Ross Bypass, which will bring significant transport improvements to the South East region.

“PPP remains an effective model to continue developing Ireland’s infrastructure, which plays a critical role in our economic recovery. We look forward to commencing operations on this important new transport project.”

Work on the bypass is due to start in mid-2015. The project was announced as a part of a government stimulus package in 2012.