R137
| R137 | |||
| Location Map ( geo) | |||
| |||
| From: | Dublin (O159341) | ||
| To: | Tallaght (O114280) | ||
| Distance: | 8.5 km (5.3 miles) | ||
| Meets: | R138, R114, R108, R110, R811, R111, R817, R114, R112, M50 | ||
| Former Number(s): | N81 | ||
| Highway Authorities | |||
| Traditional Counties | |||
The R137 is the number allocated to what was formerly the N81 through Dublin. It was created in 2012.
Dublin Road-building
The road begins at what used to be the N11 at College Green. It runs along Dame Street, and turns onto a dual carriageway at Christchurch.
Between here and Leonard's Corner is one of Dublin's most controversial roads. It was identified as a major route and potential dual carriageway in 1965. In 1973, the proposal for this corridor became one for a grade separated D3, known as the Western Tangent.
Had this happened, Patrick Street and Nicholas Street would have been maintained as local roads, with the Christchurch junction being spared the original plan of a large roundabout being built outside. However at Kevin Street, a large diamond interchange would have been built.
The road would have switched to a destructive alignment along Blackpitts, before forming two one way roads to Emmet Bridge.
The old alignment of the road was narrow and poor, and the buildings along it were in a poor state of repair. However, the proposal, which was supposed to regenerate the area, was both expensive and unpopular. A cheaper, temporary arrangement opened in 1987, which is what we have today. This was itself unpopular, and was one of the last major road projects to open in Dublin.
The junction at Kevin Street was nicknamed "Four Corners of Hell" because of the badly-reputed pubs positioned around each corner. These were all lost to the roadworks.
Ancient History
Between Kevin Street and Terenure, the road follows the broad path of Slige Chualann, the historic route from Áth Cliath to Avoca. This includes sections demolished above.
With that many claims to fame, between Terenure and Tallaght the road seems to be slightly boring. After Templeogue it becomes a dual carriageway.
Links
- RTE Archives: Dublin Motorway Plan Debate 04.01.1988 (archive.org)
