AS ANYONE WHO regularly drives the M11/N11 between Dublin and Wexford will know, those roadworks (along the Brittas area) have been quite a pain over the last few years.

At last though, the end is within sight…

The M11, south of Arklow. Google Streetview Google Streetview

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has confirmed that the stretch between Arklow and Rathnew will open in the next few weeks.

The 16.5km project is being overseen by the NRA and Wicklow County Council, working with civil engineers BAM. It began in June 2013.

The new (non-tolled) road will connect the existing M11 Arklow Bypass with the Rathnew/Ashford Bypass – effectively creating 90km of motorway/dual carriageway from Dublin to Gorey.

“This project will also include the construction of a service area on the M11 northbound side only, just north of Gorey, with direct access via a flyover from the M11 southbound,” Donohoe said today

This will significantly improve journeys for motorists and ensure that they have access to the facilities they need to rest when needed to ensure that  they can arrive alive.

The new service station is scheduled to open at the end of 2015

Google Streetview Google Streetview

The existing stretch of the N11 between Rathnew and Arklow is a single-lane road, with few overtaking opportunities and no hard shoulder in some sections.

The area frequently becomes a bottleneck, at busy times.

“The route does not have a good road safety record, making the opening of this new scheme absolutely essential,” Donohoe said.

Read: Rejoice: The Newlands Cross flyover is open today

Read: 8 ways the Newland’s Cross flyover is changing lives