BAM Ireland has celebrated the completion of a new 3.4 kilometre road that begins east of Athy and provides a southern bypass of the existing town.

The project includes 5.8 kilometres of combined walking and cycling infrastructure including two new roundabouts, new signalised junctions at the Carlow Road and Fortbarrington Road, a repurposed railway bridge and an 80 metre single span steel bridge over the River Barrow and a new railway bridge over the Dublin to Waterford railway line.

The Athy Distributor Road promotes a safer travel environment in Athy as well as reducing journey times and improving public transport accessibility. It will also reduce significant volumes of congestion from the centre of Athy.

Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland, said: "BAM was immensely proud to be appointed to deliver this project and I would like to congratulate the BAM project team, our supply chain partners, Roughan O’Donovan, and the Kildare County Council site team who worked with Waterways Ireland and Iarnrod Eireann to hand over this vital piece of infrastructure to Kildare County Council and the people of Athy.

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"This project will alleviate traffic congestion, reduce journey times, ensure safe connectivity around the town for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, and also enhance the scenic amenity along the River Barrow."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said: "It is great to be here in Athy today for the official opening of the new Athy by-pass ahead of schedule. It is an important day for residents and businesses in Athy, and those who visit the town.

"The road will ease traffic congestion in Athy’s historic town centre and reduce journey times. It will create a safer travel environment and improve public transport accessibility.

"It also incorporates a network of pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure which is connected to residential communities, schools, recreational spaces, public transport and businesses. I hope the 5.8km of combined walking and cycling infrastructure will be used by young and old, benefitting the whole community."

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: "Kildare County Council is delighted to have reached this important milestone and bring this significant infrastructure project for Athy and for Kildare to fruition. We are delighted to welcome Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the official opening of the Athy Distributor Road and look forward to now seeing the many benefits of the project; including a safer travel environment, reduced journey times and communities enjoying the new cycleways and footpaths.

"Like any major infrastructure project on this scale, it wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships and collaboration, working together towards a shared goal. I’d like to thank all those who have been involved in the project at every step and milestone over the years, who have all contributed so significantly to get the project to this point."