National Roads Network Indicators 2019

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK INDICATORS 2019

April 2020 KEY TRENDS 2 A: KEY TREND SUMMARY

TRAVEL HOTSPOTS: TRAFFIC GROWTH:

M50 Dublin area: N40 Cork area: Border 150,000 vehicles per day 87,000 vehicles per day 3.0% 4.4% Midlands 3.0% Hotspot: Hotspot: 3.1% 2.5% West 2.2% 3.8% 2.1% Dublin 2.0% 1.3% +2.5% Mid-East 1.0% Mid-West 2.3% 2.4% Traffic Growth South-East across the network 0% 3.9% in 2019 was 2.5%. All Motorways National National South-West National Primary Secondary 1.7% Roads Roads Roads

M50 KEY NETWORK STATISTICS: CHANGES IN PEAK HOUR SPREAD M50:

The peak hours remain the SHARE OF DAILY TRAFFIC 2018 2019 10% same as 2018: 6.30 - 9.30 100000 13,212 1.61 billion 9% and 15.30 - 18.30, with peak AM PM 2019 Vehicle km travelled. spreading occurring resulting Highest hourly flow 2018 recorded on the N3 - N4 This represents a 1.9% in an increased share of trips 8% 20201817 between 4pm and 5pm on increase on 2018 between 6.00 and 8.00 in the 2017 7% 5th June morning and a slight increase 20201616 2015 between 15.00 and 16.00 in 20201415 6% the evening. This was a result 2013 Percentage Share of Total Traffic Share Total Percentage of 2014 of continued growth on the 5% 2013 May 176,890 1,161 National Roads network and

traffic demand reaching Percentage Share of Traffic Highest Daily Flow Total No. of Incidents 4% 24 Recorded between the previously unreached levels 6 7 8 15 16 17 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 N2-N3 especially on the M50. Hour Beginning Hour Beginning HourHour Beginning Beginning FATAL COLLISIONS ON THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK 2014 - 2019: TOTAL FATALITIES ON THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK IN 2019:

Total fatal collisions on National Roads: 2014–2019 Drivers Passengers Motorcyclists Cyclists Pedestrians -25% 32 3 7 1 10 10 6 1 4 2 3

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019* 66 61 72 46 50 50 1 16 1 3 6

Motorway National Primary National Secondary *In 2019 50 fatal collisions on national roads resulted in 53 fatalities Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 NEWS 3 B: NEWS & INFORMATION

News Information

Traffic Indices The traffic indices are produced on a Traffic Monitoring Units The TII Traffic Indices represent a measure quarterly basis and annual growth rates can TII has over 380 TMU sites around the of global traffic demand over time for a also be output. The base for the TII Traffic country which are used to monitor traffic particular grouping of traffic monitoring Indices is Q3 2013. The TII Traffic Indices can volumes and to plan future interventions. units (TMUs) on the National Roads be found at indices.tii.ie Additional TMU sites were delivered in Network. An index is a statistical measure 2019 and a programme of works to deliver of changes in a representative group of National Transport Model (NTpM) additional TMU sites in 2020 is on-going. individual data points over a time period. Since its release in 2013 the NTpM is updated annually using data from the TMU See website: www.nratrafficdata.ie TII Traffic Indices for all traffic and HGVs network. An updated version of the NTpM only are available nationally, by region, by representing 2016 traffic patterns and 2019 Motorway Service Helpline road type, by TEN-T network status and for demand has been used in the production A Motorway Service Helpline has been certain corridors of interest. This allows for of these 2019 Network Indicators. set-up to assist roads users in difficulty broad estimates in traffic growth trends on Documentation regarding the National on a Motorway. All calls are directed a national or regional basis and on the basis Transport Model can be located on the TII through the Motorway Traffic Control of road type, route corridor and vehicle type. Traffic Indices website at www.tii.ie/ tii- Centre (MTCC) and the number is: library/strategic-planning/ 0818-715-100 or; [email protected]

Further information and live traffic updates are available on www.tiitraffic.ie

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION P5 1. ROAD NETWORK P6 2. ECONOMIC P24 3. ROAD CONDITION P26 4. SAFETY P33 5. ACCESSIBILITY + ENVIRONMENT P37

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 5

INTRODUCTION

Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s mission is to deliver transport infrastructure and services that contribute to the quality of life of the people of Ireland and support the country’s economic growth

For this purpose, TII has overall and reductions in the cost of operating Transport Infrastructure Ireland considers it responsibility not only for the planning vehicles. Society as a whole benefits important to monitor the performance and and supervision of the construction and from increased economic productivity, use of the National Roads network and to maintenance works on these roads, but reduced energy consumption and a better share this information with the public. also for ensuring the efficient use and safe environment. operation of the National Roads network. This publication sets out some key If the National Roads network is operated indicators of performance and usage of the Efficient use of the National Roads network to a high standard, then road users will National Roads network. provides benefits to road passengers, bus enjoy safe journeys with predictable journey users and road freight users in the form of times. shorter journey times, reduced congestion

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE: ROAD NETWORK ONE: ROAD NETWORK ONE | ROAD NETWORK 7 A: LENGTH OF NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Length of National Roads network by road type 2019

There are in excess of 5,300 kilometres of National Roads network in Ireland. The National Roads network is comprised Road type: of 998 km of motorway, 318km of dual Motorway 998km carriageway and 4,043km of single Dual carriageway 318km carriageway. Single carriageway 4,043km The actual length of the National Roads network fluctuates year on year due to road reclassification, realignments to existing National Roads and completion of new roads. 19%

75%

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 8 B1: LEVEL OF USAGE OF THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Level of usage of the National Roads network as measured by Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)

The continued growth in the M1M1 Irish economy is reflected by the growth in traffic on the National Roads network. AADT M50 In Dublin, the M50 continues to experience growth in levels of usage as measured by N11 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flows, M11 with the section between Junction 5 (N2) and Junction 9 (N7) carrying in excess of 150,000 AADT. Increased economic activity outside of the Dublin region is also apparent with further AADT growth being experienced on the N40 (Cork South Ring Road) in 2019.

AADT (thousands per day)

1–5 17–25 75–100 M8

5–10 25–50 100–125

N40 10–17 50–75 125-150

AADT Cork

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 9 B2: FREIGHT MOVEMENTS ON THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Level of usage of the National Roads network by freight vehicles as measured by Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) AADT

The level of usage of the M1 National Roads network by freight vehicles, as measured by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) AADT, AADT M50 continues to experience growth particularly in N11 economic centres near major ports.

HGV AADT (thousands per day)

0-0.5 2-3 7-9 M8

0.5-1 3-5 9-11

N40 1-2 5-7 11-13

AADT Cork

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 10 C1: LEVEL OF SERVICE: MORNING RUSH-HOUR, NATIONAL ROADS Proportion of the National Roads network operating under each level of service condition

The level of service (LOS) provided by roads may be assessed using recognised international standards. LOS is a quality ll Roads measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream. Following the substantial investment in National Roads in recent times, most route sections are operating to the highest standard of service. For further information see: Transport Research and Information Note: A Study of Lane Capacity, online at www.tii.ie/tii-library/ strategic-planning National riar Roads

A. Free flow

B. Reasonably free flow C. Stable flow National econdar D. Approaching unstable flow Roads

E. Unstable flow

F. Forced or breakdown flow

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 11 C2: VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO: NATIONAL PRIMARY ROADS Proportion of the National Primary Roads network operating at each level of capacity

The Volume to Capacity (V/C) Ratio relates the AADT volume carried on a section of road to its daily operational capacity*.

The V/C Ratio for the National Primary Roads network indicates that over 70% of the network is operating at or below 80% of its daily capacity. This reflects the significant investment made in the National Primary Roads network in recent times. *Capacity based on TII Rural Road Link Design National Standard Table 6.1 (DN-GEO-03031) riar Roads

Operating Below 80% Capacity

Operating between 80% - 100% Capacity

Operating between 100% - 120% Capacity

Operating above 120% Capacity

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 12 C3: VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO: NATIONAL SECONDARY ROADS Proportion of the National Secondary Roads network operating at each level of capacity

The Volume to Capacity (V/C) Ratio relates the AADT volume carried on a section of road to its daily operational capacity.

The V/C Ratio for the National Secondary Roads network indicates that just under 50% of the network is operating at or below 80% of its daily capacity. This indicates that investment is required in the National Secondary Roads network to match the performance of the National Primary Roads network. National riar *Capacity based on TII Rural Road Link Design Roads Standard Table 6.1 (DN-GEO-03031)

Operating Below 80% Capacity

Operating between 80% - 100% Capacity

Operating between 100% - 120% Capacity

Operating above 120% Capacity

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 13 D1: M50 PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 2019 Key network statistics

The M50 is the most heavily trafficked road in the country with nearly 150,000 vehicles using several sections on an average day.

N3 N2 M1 13,212 1.61 billion 150,750 141,500 BALLYMUN122,500 M1/M50 Highest hourly flow recorded on Vehicle km travelled. 7.9% 7.9% 8.2% 6 5 4 3 the N3 - N4 between 4pm and This represents a 1.9% 87,500 increase on 2018 5pm on 5th June 148,250 9.3% 7.8% 2 N4 7 24,000 COOLOCK May 176,890 1,161 149,750 39.2% Highest Daily Flow Recorded Total No. of Incidents 7.3% 24 1 on M50 between the N2-N3 of which 525 were N7 9 Traffic Collisions 135,000 DUBLIN PORT 3.9% M11 BALLYMOUNT THURSDAY 10 Busiest Typical Day 11 minutes 123,500 Average Response Time 3.3% FIRHOUSE BALLINTEER SANDYFORD (N31) CARRICKMINES CHERRYWOOD 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3.0% 3.3% 3.6% 3.5% 3.3% 3.8% 18:00 - 19:00 28 minutes 115,000 109,500 77,500 73,250 70,000 50,000 N81 N31 M11 Peak Incident Time Median Duration of Incidents M50 Schematic Layout 2019 Annual Average Daily Traffic (%HGV) on M50

The level of service (LOS) provided by 150,000 roads may be assessed using recognised international standards. LOS is a 140,000 quality measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream. 130,000

Average hourly levels of service for the (VEHS) full year were analysed from TII Traffic 120,000 Monitoring Units which give an indication of what the busiest times of a typical 110,000 day were, and what sections of the M50 Monthly Average Traffic Daily were most congested in 2019. A typical 100,000 working day in 2019 refers to all weekdays Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar excluding school holidays and public May May May May May May holidays. 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

J2-M1 J2-M1 N2-J4 N2-J4 N3-N2 N3-N2 N4-N3 N4-N3 N7-N4 N7-N4 N7-J10 N7-J10 A. Free flow J10-N81 J10-N81

B. Reasonably free flow N81-J12 N81-J12 J12-J13 J12-J13 Northbound C. Stable flow Southbound J13-J14 J13-J14

D. Approaching unstable flow J14-J15 J14-J15 J15-J16 J15-J16 E. Unstable flow J16-J17 J16-J17 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 F. Forced or breakdown flow Hour of Day Hour of Day

7,934 12 minutes 78 Highest hourly flow recorded Average Response Time Total No. of Incidents on the Kinsale Rd - Douglas of which 30 were section between 4pm and 5pm Traffic Collisions on 14th February M8

DEC 102,760 0.34 Billion

Highest Daily Flow Recorded Vehicle km travelled. DUNKETTLE 19 N8 on the Kinsale Rd - Douglas This represents a 0% 11 N25 increase on 2018 JACK LYNCH TUNNEL FRIDAY 12 Busiest Typical Day N22 N27 4.0% 68,000 10:00 - 11:00 BALLINORA/ CURRAHEEN BANDON RD SARSFIELD RD TOGHER KINSALE RD DOUGLAS WEST DOUGLAS EAST BLOOMFIELD MAHON Peak Incident Time POULAVONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3.4% 2.9% 4.1% 43,250 86,500 72,250 38 minutes N71 N27 N28 Median Duration of N40 Schematic Layout Incidents 2019 Annual Average Daily Traffic (%HGV) on N40

The level of service (LOS) provided by roads may be assessed using recognised international standards. Westbound/Southbound LOS is a quality measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream. Jack-Lynch - Mahon Average hourly levels of service for the full year were analysed from TII Traffic Monitoring Units which Mahon - Bloomfield give an indication of what the busiest times of a typical day were, and what sections of the N40 were most congested in 2019. A typical working day in 2019 refers to all weekdays excluding school holidays Kinsale Rd - Douglas and public holidays. Ballinora - Curraheen 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MADT at N40 Jack Lynch Tunnel Hour of Day 75,000 Eastbound/Northbound Jack-Lynch - Mahon 70,000 Mahon - Bloomfield Kinsale Rd - Douglas Ballinora - Curraheen 65,000 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Hour of Day Level of Service

60,000 A. Free flow D. Approaching unstable flow

Monthly Average Daily Traffic Monthly Average Traffic Daily (VEHS) B. Reasonably free flow E. Unstable flow

55,000 C. Stable flow F. Forced or breakdown flow Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar May May May May May 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Month

A technical error resulted in a loss in data from the TII C2 Traffic Database from late June to early August 2019. Transport Infrastructure Ireland The traffic volume based statistics presented here exclude data from this period. National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 17 D5: DUBLIN RADIALS PERFORMANCE SUMMARY Traffic growth and typical working day conditions represented by level of service M3 N2 M1 INNERINNER CORDON CORDON X 16,00016,250 8.4%8.3% OUTEROUTER CORDON CORDON X 60,25061,750 The Dublin Radials represent a system of X 20,00020,750 6.7%7.3% 9.4%9.2% routes providing access to the Dublin Area, ASHBOURNEASHBOURNE converging onto the M50. They are made of National Primary Routes designated M1 to DUNSHAUGHLINDUNSHAUGHLIN 6 M11 as one travels anticlockwise around the M50. 4 DONABATE

COLDWINTERS The Dublin Radial Routes consisting of the COLDWINTERS 78,750 AIRPORTAIRPORT M1, N2, N3, M4, N7, N81 and M11 are some 77,000 2 40,750 4.0%3.8% 2 38,500 2 of the busiest routes in the country. The 10.3%11.2% 2 135,500139,250 schematic on the right contains AADT data M4 5.1% M4 47,000 1 of these routes for 2019 from the Traffic 45,500 BLANCHARDSTOWNBLANCHARDSTOWN 3 11 8.6%9.6% 3 Monitoring Units which are displayed as 103,250106,250 MAYNOOTHMAYNOOTH 11 inner and outer cordons on the map of the 4.5%4.1% 7 Greater Dublin Area. Generally there is a 22 11 very significant drop off in traffic demand LIFFEY VALLEY between the inner and outer cordons as 106,75099,250 you would expect as the population and job 8.8%2.5% 1 1A 1 densities decrease. NEWLANDSNEWLANDS The N7 shows significant traffic demand TALLAGHT at the outer cordon. Traffic demand at the 81,25084,250 M50 8.2% 29,75029,750 M1,M4 and N11 outer cordon locations 7.8% 7 2.1% 7 KILL 2.0% is lower than the N7 but still remains KILL 1 reasonably high. 1 77,50079,250 2.5% 4 4 BRAYBRAY NORTH NORTH 123,489 163,284 May May Highest Daily Flow Highest Daily Flow Recorded on the M4 Recorded on the M1 8 KILMACANOGUEKILMACANOGUE 24 24 M7 BLESSINGTONBLESSINGTON between the M50 between the M50 and M7 12,000 53,500 andLiffey Valley Dublin Airport 11,750 51,750 5.9%5.8% 3.1%3.5%

M9 N81N81 N11 Oct 126,181 Aug 89,409 Highest Daily Flow Highest Daily Flow 11 Recorded on the N7 23 Recorded on the M11 Dublin Radials Schematic Layout between the M50 between the M50 and and Newlands Bray North 2019 Annual Average Daily Traffic (%HGV) on Dublin Radials

110 The level of service (LOS) provided day in 2019 refers to all weekdays by roads may be assessed using excluding school holidays and public 105 recognised international standards. holidays. LOS is a quality measure describing 100 The LOS figures show congestion operational conditions within a traffic occuring at inner cordon locations stream. (Q3Index2013 Volume Traffic during the peak periods. Congestion at 95 Average hourly levels of service for the outer cordon location is limited to the full year were analysed from TII the evening peak at specific locations 90 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2014 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 Traffic Monitoring Units which give an where TII currently have schemes at the Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 indication of what the busiest times of construction/design stage. *These values represent an index baseline at 100 in Q3 2013. An index is a statistical measure of changes in a a typical day were, and what sections representative group of individual data points over a time period. of the Dublin radial routes were most Towards M50 From M50 congested in 2019. A typical working M1-M50 to Airport M2-M50 to Coldwinters N3-M50 Blanchardstown to Clonsilla N4-M50 to Liffey Valley N7-M50 to Newlands N81-M50 to Tallaght N11-M50 to Bray North

A. Free flow 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 M1- Donabate to Balbriggan B. Reasonably free flow 8 8 N2- Ashbourne to Slane C. Stable flow M4- Maynooth to Kilcock N7- Kill to Johnstown D. Approaching unstable flow N81- Tallaght to Blessington E. Unstable flow N11- Kilmacanogue to Glen of 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 F. Forced or breakdown flow the Downs Hour of Day Hour of Day 8 8 A technical error resulted in a loss in data from the TII C2 Traffic Database from late June to early August 2019. Transport Infrastructure Ireland The traffic volume based statistics presented here exclude data from this period. National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 19 E: ROADS USAGE OVER THE DAY Profile of the usage of the National Roads network by time of day

Nat Primary Peak Nat Primary Peak

The peak periods on M50 Peak M50 Peak our National Roads are Nat Secondary Peak Nat Secondary Peak extending outwards due 10% to increased demand and congestion. 9% In the morning, the peak period lasts 8% between 6.30am and 9.30am whilst in in the evening, the peak covers the period 7% between 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Peak traffic hours have a level of traffic some 30% to 50% above off-peak levels. The M50 is the 6% most used road in the country with daily weekday traffic of up to 150,000 along its 5% busiest sections. The peaks on the M50 are more prolonged than other roads with 4% significant traffic flows being maintained during inter-peak periods. The trend of 3% ‘peak hour spreading’ continued in 2019, with the peak period share of total daily trafficPercentage daily total of share 2% M50 traffic reducing by 0.4% in both the AM and PM Peaks compared to the 1% previous year.

M50 Motorway 0% National Primary 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 National Secondary Peak period Hour Beginning Peak period Peak period (6.30am - 9.30am) (3.30pm - 6.30pm)

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 20 F: TRIP DURATION NATIONAL ROADS AND REGIONAL ROADS - AM PEAK Profile of the trips made on the National and Regional Roads network by their duration

Across the road 25% network, a significant portion of trips that 20% people make are of short duration. In total, 38% less than or greater 38% of trips are of 15 15% equal to 15 than 15 minutes duration or minutes minutes less. 62% 10% Percentage share of total trips

0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-25 25-30 65-70 70-75 30-35 35-40 40-45 45-50 50-55 55-60 60-65 75-80 80-85 85-90 90-95 95-100

Trip Length (minutes) average trip duration = 22mins

light vehicles

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 21 G: TRIP DISTANCE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ROADS - AM PEAK Profile of the trips made on the National and Regional Roads network by their distance

Across the road 25% network, a significant portion of trips that 40% 60% 20% people make are short distance. In total, just 0–10km 10km + over 52% of trips are 15 15% kilometres or less.

10% Percentage share of total trips

0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-25 25-30 65-70 70-75 30-35 35-40 40-45 45-50 50-55 55-60 60-65 75-80 80-85 85-90 90-95 95-100

Trip Distance (km) average trip distance = 21.8km

light vehicles

Source: TII National Transport Model, 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 22 H: ANNUAL TRAFFIC GROWTH RATES Annual Traffic Growth 2018-2019

Growth by Region Growth by Road Type (All Vehicles) 3.0% All Vehicles HGV Traffic growth was 2.5% 2.5% 2.2% across the network in 2019. 2.1%

The highest regional growth recorded in 2019 was in the Border region with 4.4% for the year. The South-East and West also experienced significant growth of 3.9% and 3.8%. Border 4.4% 2.0% For HGVs the Mid-East recorded the highest regional growth at 5.1%. The South-West West 3.8% All National Motorways National National and West recorded the lowest levels of HGV 1.2% Roads Primary Roads Secondary Roads Dublin 1.3% growth at 0.3% and 1.2% respectively. 3.6% Midlands 3.1% The greatest year on year traffic growth for 3.3% all vehicles by road type was recorded on Mid-East 2.3% Growth by Road Type 5.1% motorways; where traffic increased 3.0%. 4.6% (HGVs) Mid-West 2.4% For HGVs, the highest growth by road type 1.6% was on Motorways with a growth of 4.6%. South-East 3.9% 1.4% Note - Due to technical reasons a number of TMU sites did not record data during June/July 2019. 2.6% The 2019 indices rely on in-filled data for these South-West 1.7% 0.3% missing periods.

0.7% 0.5%

All National Motorways National National Source: TII Traffic Monitoring Units Roads Primary Roads Secondary Roads

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ONE | ROAD NETWORK 23 I: NETWORK MANAGEMENT Overview of the responsibilities for the Management of the National Roads network

The management of the National Key facts: Roads network is assigned to a number of bodies with the majority 0oC share of National Primary and National Secondary roads being managed by Local Authorities. 327 7,810 66 Motorways are managed under demountable all emergency nights in 2019 the Motorway Maintenance and snow ploughs calls received by where the Motorway Traffic temperature Renewal Contracts (MMaRCs) or Our winter service Control Centre reached below by PPP Concession companies. TII fleet consists of: including SOS zero phones manages the maintenance of 2,665 bridges, which includes all bridges on National Roads other than on PPP roads. PPP Consession companies manage a total of 569 bridges. 360 1,478 111 salt spreaders SOS phones weather stations in the in operation on the country National Roads Network

Routes managed by: MMaRC PPP 28,951 Local Authority tonnes of salt were used on National Roads Network in 2019

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 TWO: ECONOMIC TWO | ECONOMIC 25 A: ECONOMICS TRENDS AND TRANSPORT Recent Trends

In the period up to the peak of the Overall transport demand comprises Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Growth Rate (%) economic boom in 2008, vehicle both personal travel and carriage of All Traffic HGV Traffic kilometres of travel on all roads grew goods. With regard to personal travel, a at an annual average rate of 4.6% per broad distinction may be made between commuting and non-commuting. Trends annum. In aggregate, vehicle kilometres in overall employment in the economy Annual Growth Rate (%) All National Roads of travel increased by 43% between 2000 drive commuting traffic and personal 7% and 2008. In same period, goods vehicle incomes are the major determinant of 6% 5.9% kilometres of travel grew at an annual non-commuting traffic. With regard to the carriage of goods, economic output is the 5% average rate 6.7% per annum, with an 4.3% 4.2% aggregate growth of 69% between 2000 major determinant and, particularly, the 4% 3.9% 3.7% 3.1% and 2008. output of the building and construction 3% sector, which is very transport intensive. 2.4% 2.5% 2.6% 2% When the economic and financial crisis The slow initial recovery in the building 1% occurred, vehicle kilometres of travel in and construction sector is the reason why 0.5% 0.5% total declined by 10% and goods traffic goods vehicle traffic is still slightly below 0% by 22% between 2009 and 2012. The its former peak level. 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 greater decline in goods traffic reflected The annual growth in traffic in 2018 did Year in part the near collapse of the building not reflect the economic trends due to the influence of Storm Emma in Q1 2018. and construction sector. Economic growth 2019 shows a higher annual growth than began to recover in a sustained way in 2018 with a significant growth in Q1 2019 Quarter to Quarter Growth Rates on National Roads (%) 2012 and employment levels a year later. which is due to the occurrence of Storm 7% By 2015, total vehicle kilometres of travel Emma. Although traffic levels are still 5.9% had recovered to its pre-crisis levels. growing there is an overall downward 6% 5.6% Goods traffic vehicle kilometres has still trend in traffic growth as economic not attained its previous peak levels. growth slows and full employment is 5% reached.

Index of Vehicle Kilometres of Travel, (Year 2000= 100) 4% 200.0 3.3% 3% 150.0 2.1% 2% 100.0 1.4% 1.1% Index 1.1% 1% 50.0 0.5% 0% 0.0 Quarter 1 Quarter2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2018 - 2019 2018 - 2019 2018 - 2019 2018 - 2019 Total Vehicle Kilometres of Travel All Goods Vehicle Kilometres of Travel Heavy Goods Vehicle Kilometres of Travel Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE:THREE: ROADROAD CONDITIONCONDITION THREE | ROAD CONDITION 27 A1: PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE Overview of subnetwork classification of National Roads network

The National Roads network consists of over In order to effectively manage this diverse 5,300 kilometres of road pavements. There network, a series of 5 subnetwork types is a very significant variation across the TII have been defined to significantly reduce the network in terms of pavement construction, variation in pavement condition, traffic and pavement age, carriageway width, lane width, construction type within each subnetwork. geometric design and traffic volumes carried. The breakdown of subnetworks and map to the right are shown for 2017 when the Pavement Condition Report was published.

Subnetwork Classification % of Network

0 Motorways + dual High speed, high volumes pavement, made up of Motorway and Dual 22% carriageways Carriageway sections of the network. Much of this subnetwork is less than 10 years old.

1 Engineered pavement Significant geometric and pavement design has taken place in the 22% construction and/or rehabilitation of the pavement sections. Typically carry reasonably large volumes of traffic, and are identified by presence of hard shoulders adjacent to the carriageway.

2 Urban Areas Low to medium speed, typically short sections through towns that are 13% not bypassed, also includes longer sections within the cities and larger towns where National Roads start and end.

3 Legacy pavement – Legacy subnetwork, typically constructed without formal geometric 24% high traffic or pavement design. Typically carries traffic volumes less than 10,000 AADT.

4 Legacy pavement – low Legacy subnetwork, typically constructed without formal geometric 18% traffic or pavement design. Typically carries traffic volumes less than 5000 AADT.

Source: TII Pavement Condition Report 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE | ROAD CONDITION 28 A2: MEASURING PERFORMANCE OF PAVEMENTS ON NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Overview of the strategic indicators used across the National Roads network pavement sub networks

Road pavement condition is a critical TII has therefore developed strategic level element in ensuring the safety and performance indicators which address efficiency of the National Roads three key characteristics – Pavement Pavement Surface Health network. In order to maintain acceptable Surface Health; Pavement Surface Safety, performance levels of road pavement Pavement Structural Health. significant investment is required annually. Within the pavement sub networks, pavement condition is ranked on a five Road pavements are made up of different point scale: layers. The surface layer is key in the Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Good , Very Good. road-wheel interface and influences both the safety and overall condition TII research indicates that on average Pavement Surface Safety of the pavement. Timely upgrade of it takes approximately 7 years for a the pavement surface can prolong the pavement to transition between points on lifecycle of the sub-surface / structural the scale. layers of the pavement. To ensure the safety and efficiency of the Various engineering parameters are used network TII have set performance targets to measure the performance of aspects for each of the subnetwork categories of the pavement but these do not give an under each of the performance indicators. understanding of overall performance of the pavements on the network. Pavement Structural Health

Source: TII Pavement Condition Report 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE | ROAD CONDITION 29 B1: CURRENT STATUS OF THE ROADS PAVEMENT CONDITION Pavement Surface Health TII target 95% performing fair or better for all sub-networks

The Engineered pavement subnetworks are consistently above the target level over the Subnetworks 0-1 Subnetworks 2 Subnetworks 3-4 five year analysis period. The remainder of Motorways, Dual Urban Areas Legacy pavement the network is at a higher KPI level than the Carriageways – High and Low and Engineered traffic Pavement Structural Health parameter, but Pavement the rate of improvement in performance is lower than that seen with Structural Health. An increased investment in the Legacy Subnetworks shows an improved upward trend line. 96.3% 87.2% 88.3% % Performing Fair or Better in 2018

Trends in Pavement Surface Health KPI (% Fair or Better) 100%

90%

80%

70%

60% 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Target

Source: TII Pavement Condition Report 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE | ROAD CONDITION 30 B2: CURRENT STATUS OF THE ROADS PAVEMENT CONDITION Pavement Surface Safety TII target 99% performing fair or better for all sub-networks

This KPI is derived from network level Skid Resistance surveys. The target level is Subnetworks 0-1 Subnetworks 2 Subnetworks 3-4 set to have 99% of the network in a safe Motorways, Dual Urban Areas Legacy pavement condition based on annual skid resistance Carriageways – High and Low measurements. This has been consistently and Engineered traffic Pavement achieved on the Engineered Subnetworks (0 and 1) over the 5 year period as seen by the trend line. The Legacy Subnetworks are below but close to the target line, the trend line is generally flat but has improved in 99.7% 91.6% 98.8% 2018. The Urban subnetwork is considerably below the remainder of the network. % Performing Fair or Better in 2018 There has been an increased emphasis on treatment within urban areas in the Trends in Pavement Surface Safety KPI (% Fair or Better) past 2 years, and this has produced an 100% improvement in the KPI level.

90%

80%

70%

60% 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Target

Source: TII Pavement Condition Report 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE | ROAD CONDITION 31 B3: CURRENT STATUS OF THE ROADS PAVEMENT CONDITION Pavement Structural Health TII target 95% performing fair or better for all sub-networks

There is a very clear difference between Subnets 0 and 1 (Engineered Pavements) Subnetworks 0-1 Subnetworks 2 Subnetworks 3-4 and the remainder of the network. Subnet Motorways, Dual Urban Areas Legacy pavement 0-1 is consistently above the target of 95% Carriageways – High and Low in Fair or Better condition, reflecting the and Engineered traffic Pavement relatively new age profile of the majority of the road sections in this category. The Urban subnetwork (Subnet 2) is in significantly better condition than the Legacy Subnetworks (subnets 3 and 4). 97.3% 92.5% 83.5% The 5 year trend lines show an overall upward trend, reflecting a concentration on % Performing Fair or Better in 2018 improving the worst-performing sections over the five year period. Trends in Pavement Structural Health KPI (% Fair or Better) 100%

90%

80%

70%

60% 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Target

Source: TII Pavement Condition Report 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 THREE | ROAD CONDITION 32 C: NATIONAL ROAD BRIDGE STRUCTURES Overview of the quantum and condition of bridge structures on the National Roads network

1500

1400 Bridges are key elements of the National Roads 1200 system and maintenance and rehabilitation 1000 of bridges is a key part of the TII’s asset 800 management strategy.

The National Roads network includes 600 3,234 bridge structures of which 569 No. of Bridges are on roads provided by public private partnerships. 400 Bridges are inspected on a regular cycle. Bridge components which are allocated a condition rating of 0 or 1 do not require 200 repair work, whereas those assigned a rating of 2 or higher are scheduled for future repair. 0 Condition Rating 2019 CR 0: No or insignificant change.

CR 1: Minor Damage but no need of repair. CR 4: Damage is critical, repair at once.

CR 2: Some Damage, repair needed when convienent. CR 5: Ultimate Damage. The component has failed or is in danger of total failure.

CR 3: Significant Damage, repair within next financial year. N/A: Data not available due to access restrictions.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 FOUR: SAFETY FOUR | SAFETY 34 A: FATAL COLLISIONS ON THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK:

Key Statistics* for 2019 are presented. For further details on Summary of reported fatalities 2019 road safety and national trends please see www.rsa.ie

Motorway National National Secondary

6 1 10 2 According to the Safe Systems However, the amended Directive includes 4 3 approach, death and serious injury in the strategic goal to move close to zero road accidents are largely preventable. fatalities by 2050. It should be a shared responsibility 1 at all levels to ensure that road 16 1 3 6 accidents do not lead to serious or fatal injuries. The Directive (EU) 2019/1936 Drivers Passengers Motorcyclists Cyclists Pedestrians amended Directive 2008/96/EC on road 32 3 7 1 10 infrastructure safety management.

2019 Reported figures for National Roads 2019 Count of fatalities by Collision Category

Fatal Collisions Fatalities Percentage Fatalities All other vehicle on Non Single Head-On vehicle Motorised Vehicle 50 53 75.5 24.5 20 13 11 9 Percentage of fatalities by Collision Category

63.6% 75% 88.9% 76.9% male male male male 36.4% 25% 11.1% 23.1% female female female female Head-On All Other Non-motorised Single vehicle 37.7% 24.5% 20.8% 17%

*Pedestrians on Motorways include individuals who have left their vehicle. All figures shown are provisional and subject to revisions. Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 FOUR | SAFETY 35 B: SERIOUS INJURIES ARISING FROM COLLISIONS ON THE NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Key Statistics* for 2019 are presented. For further details on Summary of reported serious injuries 2019 road safety and national trends please see www.rsa.ie

Motorway National National Secondary

12 6 12 48 14 7 1 According to the Safe Systems These amendments included a new 10 2 13 approach, death and serious injury in interim target of halving the number of road accidents are largely preventable. serious injuries by 2030 compared with It should be a shared responsibility 2020. at all levels to ensure that road 47 18 24 15 accidents do not lead to serious or fatal injuries. The Directive (EU) 2019/1936 Drivers Passengers Motorcyclists Cyclists Pedestrians amended Directive 2008/96/EC on road 107 44 35 18 25 infrastructure safety management.

2019 Reported figures for National Roads 2019 Count of Serious Injuries by Collision Category

Serious Injuries Percentage Fatalities All other vehicle on Single Non Head-On vehicle Vehicle Motorised 229 60.2 39.8 91 50 50 38 Percentage of fatalities by Collision Category

62.6% 48% 62.0% 65.8% male male male male 37.4% 52% 38.0% 34.2% female female female female All Other Head-On Single vehicle Non-motorised 39.7% 21.8% 21.8% 16.6%

*The RSA have noted in their recent reports the increase in reported serious injuries and have said the increase “is attributable in part to enhanced reporting and validation system” and they say that “it will take around five years’ before any appreciable trends in the data can be confirmed. As a result this should be considered as a break in the time series for the data on the number Transport Infrastructure Ireland of injuries and injury collisions”. The RSA and An Garda Síochána continue to use the historic definition of serious injuries: An injury for which the person is detained in hospital as an National Roads Network Indicators 2019 ‘in-patient’ or any of the following injuries whether or not detained in hospital: fractures, concussion, internal injuries, crushing, severe cuts and lacerations, severe general shock requiring medical treatment. FOUR | SAFETY 36 C: TRENDS ON NATIONAL ROADS NETWORK Trends in fatal collisions nationally by road type and collision type* Total Fatal Collisions Opening of M4 Kinnegad to Kilcock Regional & Local Road Network Opening of M8 Fermoy and parts of M6 Total fatal collisions on National Roads: National Road Network (Non Motorway) 400 Opening of M8 Cashel to Mitchelstown Motorway 350 Opening of M9 and M6 Athlone to Galway 2014 2017 Opening of M11 Enniscorthy m 300 Opening of M3 and M18 and remainder of M7, M8 and M9. Opening of M17 and remainder of M18

67 51 nnu

a 250 r Opening of M11 pe

s 200 on

2015 2018 si 150 lli

Co 100 65 50 l ta

Fa 50

0 2016 2019 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 200 200 200 200 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 77 50 200 Year

-25% Recent trends in total fatalities* on National Roads:

Pedestrians: Cyclists: All Other: 2014–2019 2019 2019 2019 10 1 -80% 42 -35%

2014 2014 2014 9 +11% 5 65

Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019

* Fatal collisions 2017 - 2019: An Garda Síochána data FIVE: ACCESSIBILITY + ENVIRONMENT FIVE | ACCESSIBILITY + ENVIRONMENT 38 A1: IMPACT OF ROAD INVESTMENT ON EMPLOYMENT ACCESSIBILITY Key milestones in the development of the National Roads network

Building on the methodology put forward within the TII Transport Research and Information Note: Impact of Improvements in the Road Network on the Accessibility 2006 2010 & Economic Potential of Counties, Urban Areas, Gateways & Hubs, 2012; TII has In 2006, prior to the completion of the Major By 2010 the development of the MIUs plotted accessibility to jobs for a number Inter Urban (MIU) corridors linking the delivered significant improvements in terms of key milestones in the development of the capital to the other cities; accessibility to of accessibility to jobs in some of the more National Roads Network. jobs within peripheral regions was weak. peripheral areas.

Employment Accessibility Score by NTM Zone

Low

2016 2019

Since 2016, there are only subtle changes in Both the M17/M18 and M11 Gorey to accessibility, related to the reduced capital Enniscorthy projects have been completed spend on National Roads infrastructure since 2016. These projects have enhanced High during that time. accessibility in the West and South-East of the country. Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 FIVE | ACCESSIBILITY + ENVIRONMENT 39 A2: IMPACT OF ROAD INVESTMENT ON EMPLOYMENT ACCESSIBILITY 2016 versus 2019

A significant proportion The image compares accessibility to jobs between 2016 and 2019 (relative of the road capital spend percentage change), and effectively from 2016 to 2019 was presents two stories: within the west and 1) Improvements in accessibility to jobs south-east of the country in the West and South-East related to the completion of the M17/M18 in 2017 and and this has resulted in the recent completion of the M11 Gorey to improved employment Enniscorthy project. accessibility for these 2) Ongoing traffic growth in areas. the east, particularly on the routes into Dublin has contributed to Difference in increased journey times and Accessibility: in turn slight reductions in +10% accessibility to jobs in the Greater Dublin Area.

Despite the above, peripheral areas in North-West, West and South-west and South-East still tend to suffer from poor accessibility to jobs as shown on Accessibility + Environment - A1.

-2%

*Assessment based on the change in accessibility to employment only as a result of the network investment. Employment levels have been held constant at 2016 levels as part of the assessment. Transport Infrastructure Ireland National Roads Network Indicators 2019 Transport Infrastructure Ireland Parkgate Business Centre Parkgate Street, Dublin 8 D08 DK10 T: +353 1 6463600 W: www.tii.ie

Editorial and statistics: [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected] Document updated by: [email protected]/ [email protected] ©TII 2020