Upgrades to N59 bypass in County Galway creates resilient road network
As major road upgrades continue to improve connectivity across Ireland, effective
drainage remains a critical part of long-term performance and safety. On the N59
Moycullen Bypass in County Galway, Duradrain provided a modern solution to
manage surface water across a key stretch of new highway.
A key route in County Galway
The N59 Moycullen Bypass was developed to ease congestion through Moycullen
village, improve road safety and support smoother traffic flow along a vital route
connecting Galway City with the Connemara region. As part of the wider N59
corridor improvements, approximately 2 km of new road alignment required a
reliable and efficient drainage solution.
Duradrain was selected to manage surface water runoff along the carriageway. By
integrating kerbing and drainage into a single system, Duradrain allows water to
enter through kerb inlets and flow directly into the drainage network. This ensures
consistent and controlled removal of surface water and is particularly important on
high-traffic routes, where standing water can impact both safety and road longevity.
The system is designed to continuously capture and channel runoff, helping to
protect the road surface from damage while improving conditions for drivers. By
reducing water build-up along the kerb line, Duradrain supports safer journeys along
the bypass and contributes to the long-term durability of the infrastructure.
Efficient installation and performance
Given the scale and importance of the route, maintaining effective surface water
management was essential to the overall success of the scheme. A solution was
needed that could perform consistently over long distances, withstand the demands
of daily traffic, and contribute to a safer, more resilient road network.
Duradrain’s lightweight design played a key role during installation. Compared with
traditional concrete drainage channels, the units are easier to handle, reducing
manual handling requirements and improving health and safety conditions for
installation teams. The modular system also enabled faster installation along the
route, helping to keep the project on schedule.
On the Moycullen Bypass, Duradrain was selected due to its performance
requirements meeting European standard, EN 1433:2002, which ensures drainage
suitability for use in trafficked highway environments. Its internal surface and highcapacity
design enable water to move efficiently along the 2 km stretch, helping to
prevent pooling and standing water on the carriageway.
Lower Carbon Approach to construction
In addition to its practical and hydraulic benefits, Duradrain supports a lower
carbon approach. Manufactured from recycled polymer materials, the system
offers a reduced embodied carbon footprint while also minimising exposure to
respirable crystalline silica during installation. An important consideration when
compared with cutting traditional concrete channels.
Installed by Wills Bros Group, with RPS Group as consulting engineer and supplied
by Stephen Leyland Limited, the system delivered a durable and sustainable
drainage solution for the bypass. Its ability to efficiently manage runoff across
extensive surfaces not only enhances safety for road users but also helps extend
the lifespan of the road, reducing the need for future maintenance. commodo consequat.