A NEW ‘significant delay’ of up to six months could see the Four Lane Road Project running almost a year behind schedule.
Donegal County Council has confirmed the project is delayed once again and the entire project is not expected to be complete until Autumn – around one year after the initial completion date.
The project, between the Pole Star Roundabout and Dry Arch Roundabout, was expected to be complete by the end of March.
While the project is well advanced, the Council has confirmed the construction of a flood protection structure with a cantilevered boardwalk over the River Swilly across from the Cullion Road junction will not meet the end of March deadline.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said, “The N56 Four Lane road project is well advanced with recent work involving construction of the central median with the completion of final surfacing, signage, lining and landscaping to follow.
“With most elements expected to be completed by March, one element of works that has been subject to significant delay and is expected that these major structural works adjacent the river will not be completed until the Autumn.
“No extension of time has been granted on the project to date.”
The original cost of the project was originally €6.56m however, in October 2022, the budget meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District heard how the project may be €3.5 million over budget by the time it is completed.
With the new delay, it is possible the final cost of the project could increase once again, however, Donegal County Council has told the Donegal News that currently the project remains within budget.’
“While it is not appropriate to comment on project costs in the middle of a live Contract, we can note that the contract has been subject to significant impacts.
“These include Covid restrictions at early stages and subsequently supply and inflation issues since.
“This project will provide a significant improvement to this critically important section of road in Letterkenny .
“It will improve both safety and function for all road users, vehicular, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.”
The sod was turned on the major project on June 18 2021 and work was expected to be complete within 15 months by August 2022. In March 2022 it was confirmed the works were no longer on schedule and the contract was extended by one month.
However, in September 2022, it was confirmed the roadworks had been delayed further with an estimated completition date of six months later by the end of March.
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