R680
R680 | |||
Location Map ( geo) | |||
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From: | Clonmel (S208222) | ||
To: | Waterford (S603130) | ||
Via: | Carrick on Suir | ||
Distance: | 54 km (33.6 miles) | ||
Meets: | R671, R678, R676, R698, N25, R682, R710, R686, R709, R675, R860, R708, R683, R448, R711 | ||
Former Number(s): | N25 | ||
Highway Authorities | |||
Traditional Counties | |||
The R680 is a significant Regional road starting in County Tipperary and running for most of its length in County Waterford. It follows the south bank of the River Suir from Clonmel to Waterford city, providing an alternative route to the N24, which runs on the other side.
The route starts on the R671 at the south end of the Gashouse Bridge in Clonmel, heading eastward away from the town and into County Waterford. As might be expected, the standard of the road on this side of the Suir is lower than that of National road on the other, with several more sharp turns. Briefly passing back into County Tipperary, it runs through the south side of Carrick on Suir – where the castle can be seen on the other side of the river. The road then turns southward, still following the Suir, to reach the western suburbs of Waterford, crossing the N25 at a roundabout.
The R680 now turns to run east into the town centre, crossing the Outer Ring Road and passing the old Waterford Crystal factory before arriving in the city centre. A zig-zag course brings it to the south side of the Rice Bridge over the Suir, which the R680 then crosses, to terminate in front of Plunkett Station.
History
The R680 originally ended on the former route of the N25 at Kilmeadan. After the opening of the Waterford Bypass, it took over most of the old road as far as the Rice Bridge.