A campaign has been launched in Drogheda to try to prevent shoppers from bypassing the town once the new motorway opens on June 9th.
Some 300 posters advertising Drogheda as a shopping town - and reminding motorists that after June 9th it will be free of gridlock - have been erected on all the roads into the town, particularly along the main Dublin-Belfast road.
Drogheda Borough Council and the business group, Drogheda Town Centre, are among the supporters of the campaign.
"We want to send out a positive message," said town clerk Mr Des Foley. "Everyone knows the town has been congested with traffic for years but the opening of the motorway will take 15,000 vehicles a day out of the town and make parking easier for shopping."
Meanwhile, plans are advanced for the pedestrianisation of West Street, the main shopping street in the town, and the adjoining Laurence Street. The scheme is due for completion next year.
The council is also preparing to re-examine traffic management after the opening of the motorway. And three large-scale commercial developments, all aimed at shoppers, are proposed, with completion dates in the next two to three years.
The Boyne Bridge, which is part of the new motorway, will be closed to pedestrians from next week.