‘It’s a game changer’ – Long awaited link road set to ease traffic congestion
The long-awaited new road and bridge over the Blackwater river in Navan is now open to traffic.
The Local Distributor Road 4 (LDR4) — linking the Kells Road (N51/R147) and Ratholdren Road — is being hailed as a “game changer” for traffic management and connectivity in Navan.
Construction on the project began in January 2024, with the new 1.2km route in west Navan set to improve travel times and ease congestion across the town.
The new road features dedicated right-turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, and cycle paths, enhancing safety and accessibility for all road users.
Until now, traffic entering Navan from the north relied solely on the inner relief road, linking the Round O area to the fire station — a route often plagued by bottlenecks during peak hours.
In addition to traffic improvements, the LDR4 development includes landscaping works, new pedestrian and cycle access points to Blackwater Park, and drainage upgrades incorporating an attenuation pond and storage tanks to prevent flooding.
The new route will also create transport corridor linking north Navan with the M3 motorway, while also improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Clonmagadden Link Road, Ratholdren Road, and the Kells Road.
The LDR4 passes through several townlands — including Moathill, Townparks, Abbeyland South, Abbeyland, and Windtown — and is expected to open up access to strategic development lands earmarked for future housing and business growth in north Navan.
Local representatives have welcomed the development, saying it marks a major step forward in easing chronic traffic congestion.
“It’s a game changer for people, particularly in North Navan,” Mayor of Navan, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons (FF) said on social media, speaking ahead of the official opening on Friday.
Fine Gael Councillor Yemi Adenuga said: “It’s a really happy day for residents of Navan as the LDR4 opens to the public today. Over the last few years, I am delighted to have worked
with the Navan Cycling Initiative to consistently push for this project at Navan Municipal District meetings.”
"I’m thrilled to see the LDR4 finally open to the public. This new road will ease congestion, improve safety, and better connect our community. While I had hoped it would be completed sooner, it’s a real joy to see it finished.”
She added: “I want to commend the transport team at Meath County Council for a job well done and I look forward to the official opening on Friday as residents enjoy better road connectivity.”