Motorists in Limerick will be able to use a newly completed stretch of road on the northside of the city from today.
Limerick City and County Council confirmed the new dual carriageway - running from the Cratloe Road roundabout to the Knockalisheen Road roundabout - will begin operating today.
"This marks a major milestone in the ongoing programme to enhance connectivity, accessibility and transport safety in the city's northside," the council said.
The new road network includes the Moyross Link Road, which will temporarily carry diverted traffic as further works progress in the area.
The development has been long awaited by the people of Moyross, who until now have relied on a single access road to the estate, leaving the community effectively at a dead end.
Welcoming the new road, the Moyross Residents Alliance said: "One of the biggest social barriers in Limerick’s history has now finally been broken down."
According to the council, the partial opening of the road network will allow the next phase of construction to begin.
"The partial opening of this significant new road infrastructure will enable the next phase of works, including the full demolition and reconstruction of Ballynanty Rail Bridge, which will be upgraded to include new footpaths and cycleways," a statement from the council said.
Knockalisheen Road will be fully closed while the works take place, with traffic redirected along the newly opened Moyross Link Road as part of the next phase.
Preparatory works are due to begin this week, with demolition of the existing Ballynanty Bridge scheduled for 27 and 28 March.
