Could new connecting road linking the Trim and Dublin roads in Navan ease congestion on both sides of the town?

Plans for a distributor road linking the Trim and Dublin roads in Navan could prove a gamechanger for traffic in the town.

A planning application has been lodged with Meath Co Council for a connecting road between the existing road at Springfield Glen and the Trim Road.

The new road would ease the huge congestion on the Trim Road into Navan, which has increased considerably with new residential developments in the area.

The new road will link the Dublin Road at Limekiln and the Trim Road.

Cairn Homes Properties Ltd have applied for planning permission for a 695m section of a distributor road connecting the Trim Road to the existing distributor road at Springfield

Glen, that connects to the Dublin Road, as well as a 64m section of road to connect to the under-construction North-South Link Street through the Swanbrook Estate.

Included in the development would be a three armed cycle protected roundabout forming a junction of the distributor road and the North-South Link Street. The proposed orbital road and North-South Link Street will be 6m wide, incorporating a 1.5m grass verge at each side segregating a dedicated 1.75m cycle track and 2.5m wide footpath from vehicular movements.

The development will include a bridge over the Navan railway line.

There are plans to amend the road layout in the Springfield Glen estate to provide a revised junction layout of the proposed new road with the Limekiln Hall / Limekiln Wood road junction.

There are also proposals for a pedestrian link from the new road to Limekiln Hall.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fenessy said problems with congestion on the Trim Road are well known. "Speaking as someone who lives in the area, I'm delighted to see the orbital road move another next step closer to delivery.

"When completed the road will link the Trim and Dublin Roads. It will provide better connectivity options to motorists and it will also help to alleviate congestion problems on both of those roads.

"The residents of Limekiln will also be very happy to see this project move forward. Part of the plan will facilitate correction works at the entrance to their estates. Which when completed will also allow the council to initiate a Taking in Charge process on both estates.

"The link road is a very important piece of local infrastructure. It's delivery will provide multiple benefits for the people of Navan. Enhanced connectivity options and reduced journey times. Potential new bus routes on the town service and safe pedestrian and cycle access in the area. It's a win win for everyone."

Cllr Fennessy pointed out that there will also be a spur road from the Trim Road which will link with the Borallion and onto the motorway.

He said there are proposals in the development plan for a link from around Balreask Manor on the Trim Road to the Commons Road.

"The plan is the link that with the old Athboy Road and then the Motorway."

The new road under construction with a bridge across the Blackwater would then provide a link to Windtown and the north of the town.

"Eventually, there is a proposal for a link from the new road at Farganstown to the Slane Road with a bridge across the Boyne, but that could be up to 20 years away," he said.