Motorists will have to come to terms with a number of diversions as the second stage of new traffic arrangements on the M50 and N7 are introduced tomorrow.
Motorists have been asked to slow down in their approach to the N7 and Red Cow interchange when the changes to the traffic layout come into effect on May 1st.
Under the changes, the western side of the N7 roundabout will be removed, which will affect both outbound traffic on the N7 and northbound traffic on the M50.
Outbound traffic on the N7 wishing to travel north on the M50 will now U-turn at the new traffic lights at the Luas car park and travel east on the N7 to access the M50 northbound on ramp.
M50 northbound traffic wishing to travel towards the city will be asked to travel west on the N7 and perform a similar U-turn at the new lights before travelling east on the N7.
Monastery Road will be closed from the IBIS Hotel entrance on the N7 and traffic from Clondalkin can access the N7 via the two-way Monastery Lane.
Pedestrians coming from Clondalkin will access the Luas from Monastery Lane, where they can cross the N7 at the traffic lights. The inbound bus stop at the IBIS Hotel will be relocated to Monastery Lane.
The changes are expected to be in place for a number of months and motorists are being asked to allow more time for their journeys and to be prepared for local delays.
"These major roadworks are an essential part of building the new freeflowing N7 interchange," said Frank Coffey, director of transportation with South Dublin County Council.
"The local diversions will be clearly signposted and we're asking motorists to slow down and pay attention to the new routes," he said.
"When completed, the N7 [ Red Cow] interchange will be free flowing, with no traffic lights or roundabout."
The work is part of a two-year upgrade of 8km of the dual carriageway between the N4, the N7 and Ballymount interchange, which is due to be completed in the middle of 2008.