Terry Ward
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:31 am GMT
Traffic congestion in Dublin reached alarming levels early Monday morning, as multiple accidents caused major delays for thousands of commuters. The chaos was intensified by heavy rain and strong winds, which had gripped the city since the previous night.
Accidents Cause Severe Delays on the M50
A crash on Dublin’s M50 southbound led to significant traffic backups. The incident occurred at about 6:50 AM between Junction 12 – Firhouse and Junction 13 – Dundrum. Emergency services quickly arrived, but the left lane, middle lane, and hard shoulder remained partially blocked for some time. Traffic came to a standstill from before Junction 9 – Red Cow to after Junction 12 – Firhouse, causing frustration for many who were already battling the weather.
Witness Reports and Official Updates
Drivers shared their experiences on social media, reporting that it took them nearly an hour just to move a few miles. One commuter stated, “I’ve never seen anything like it. Traffic was not moving at all.” Many drivers were advised to avoid the area until the situation improved.
The Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Motorway Traffic Control Centre reported that not only the M50, but also several other roads were affected:
- M1 South
- M2 South
- M3 South
- M4 East
- M7
Additional collisions were reported on various routes, including:
- M8 between J12 – Mitchekstown North and J11 – Cahir South
- M11/N11 between J09 – Glen and J08 – Kilmacanoge
- M11/N11 near Delgany
Irish Rail Services Also Affected
The traffic issues compounded further as Irish Rail announced delays on several train services. Although specific delays were not detailed at the time, the ripple effect from the road incidents added strain to public transportation options.
Weather Woes Impact Commuters
Weather conditions played a key role in creating these travel challenges. Despite no official Met Éireann weather warning in place Sunday night, heavy rain and winds arrived overnight, making for tricky driving conditions. Commuters navigating through rain and drizzle created additional risks on already congested roads.
According to a Met Éireann forecaster, “The morning will remain mostly cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle moving in from the northwest.” Fortunately, forecasters expect the rain to clear during the afternoon, allowing for the possibility of some sunny spells and more comfortable travel conditions.
Further Restrictions and Alerts
In addition to delays from accidents, several road restrictions were also implemented across the city. These included:
- St Mary’s Place North: Both ways between Mountjoy Street and R135
- Sir John Rogerson’s Quay: Both ways between Benson Street and R813 Cardiff Lane
- New Wapping Street: Both ways between R101 – Sheriff Street Upper and R801 – North Wall Quay
- R131: Both ways in Ringsend
Looking Ahead
Commuters are hopeful that as the day progresses and the weather improves, the situation will ease. However, the events of Monday morning serve as a reminder for drivers to stay updated on road conditions and accidents. Checking traffic updates before setting out can save time and avoid frustration.
Authorities encourage all drivers in Dublin to remain cautious, especially when weather conditions are poor. Patience is key during peak travel times, as accidents can happen unexpectedly.
Many travelers in Dublin are having a tough morning because of accidents and bad weather. But later in the day, the skies should clear up, which means things might get back to normal. This situation reminds everyone to get ready for their trips and keep up with the latest news.
