A planned new bypass is to greatly reduce journey times for people travelling into Donegal via Derry city.
It is hoped that, once complete, the new road will improve congestion and safety along the N13 from west of Bridgend, in Inishowen, to the A2 Buncrana Road in Derry.
According to research commissioned by the North-West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP), the route is currently the “most strategically important and busiest crossing point between Donegal and Derry”.
The road currently experiences significant congestion, with traffic volumes exceeding its capacity.
Its safety record is poor, with it being consistently ranked as ‘above’ or ‘twice above average’ National Safety Ranking. In addition, there are limited facilities for pedestrians and no cycling facilities
A public consultation on the identified preferred route option will continue until October 3.
The strategic importance of the route is highlighted by the fact that the N13 / A2 route forms part of the TEN-T comprehensive network - a Europe-wide strategic network of railway lines, roads, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports and railroad terminals providing integrated and intermodal long-distance, high-speed routes.
