It's hard to imagine but the N40 which passes through Togher was once a railway line! Today it is better known as the South Ring Road which officially opened in July 1996! This article looks back at its transformation from a denuded railway track to a modern motorway.
South Ring Road ( N40 )
( Red lines indicate extent of Togher portion )
( Red lines indicate extent of Togher portion )
In 1953 , the Cork Macroom Direct Railway was officially disestablished bringing to an end over 87 years of service ( it was opened in 1866 ). Once the tracks were removed , the line was allowed return to nature. The 1950s featured rumours that a motorway was to be laid down along its route but locals scoffed at the idea. However , the early 1990s finally saw what 40 years previously had been dismissed as a far off fantasy become a reality!
Route of Cork Macroom Direct Railway 1951
The map below shows the area in 1985 prior to any development of the N40. Togher's main road was realigned for the first time since 1866 with the demolition of its railway bridge in 1975. Pouladuff railway bridge finally saw its demise in 1986 when a steep road was laid down to connect with the lower Pouladuff Road across the Tramore River ( with a culvert installed to facilitate traffic across the waterway ) to connect with Mathew Hill. However this was just a precursor to what was to come.
Map of Togher 1985
Note: Old railway line still visible
Realigned section of Togher Road
after demolition of railway bridge in 1975
Note: Old railway line still visible
Realigned section of Togher Road
after demolition of railway bridge in 1975
Construction on the South Ring Road ( which cleverly used the old Cork Macroom railway line route as the least intrusive to local industry and residential estates ) was initially begun in the early 1990s. This article only concerns itself with the section which passes through Togher. The route which was primarily agricultural land with some marsh once featured a wooden bridge ( demolition of same unknown ) . The Glasheen River was initially culverted to allow railway tracks to be laid down back in the 19th Century. The mid 1990s saw this extended further both north and south of the new South Ring Road. The various bridges , three in total were first completed to facilitate
pedestrians and traffic while the major works of the actual road could be finalised. From an West to East axis , the Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge ( which also doubled as a bicycle lane ) was erected circa 1994 which also saw a new roundabout put in place ( only to be removed in 2011 ). At the time of its construction , it was thought to be the longest footbridge in Europe and apparently the most expensive! The Togher Road overpass was in situ by 1995 with the Pouladuff Road overpass fully completed by the summer of 1996. The new Cork South Ring Road was officially opened in July 1996.
South Ring Road 1996
R-L : Pouladuff Road Overpass , Togher Road Overpass
& Doughcloyne footbridge
R-L : Pouladuff Road Overpass , Togher Road Overpass
& Doughcloyne footbridge
However , as the new Century dawned , it became increasingly obvious that the design needed updating and upgrading to cope with the sheer volume of traffic using the road. 2011 saw portions of the former dual carriageway upgraded from R status to N status. The South Ring Road was rebranded as the N40 on 23rd February 2012. Whilst the Pouladuff Road and Togher Road overpasses were adequate , it was decided to remove the Doughcloyne footbridge and install a flyover across the roundabout. The Sarsfield Road Roundabout ( SRR ) flyover was finally completed in 2013 and facilitated the throughput of traffic across the roundabout. New measures were also put in place including slip roads , footpaths and cycle lanes. The former Cork Macroom railway line continues to evolve and it is almost certain this will continue into the future.
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Sarsfield Road , Togher
1979 - Present
Previous to all of the above , a section of road known as Sarsfield Road was laid down in the late 1970s from the turn off on Spur Hill at Doughcloyne , Togher to connect with the Wilton section of Sarsfield Road ( which was laid down circa late 1976/7 ) across the Glasheen River. The new Sarsfield Road in Togher opened up land for Residential Housing and an Industrial Park. It also serves as a merger road from Spur Hill onto the Togher portion of the South Ring Road.
Approach off Spur Hill onto Sarsfield Road
Doughcloyne , Togher
View of Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover
from Sarsfield Road , Doughcloyne , Togher
Doughcloyne , Togher
from Sarsfield Road , Doughcloyne , Togher
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This section of the article will show the development of the 3 bridges individually over the South Ring Road as pertains to Togher and their evolution alongside the N40 over the years.
Doughcloyne footbridge / Sarsfield Road Roundabout & Flyover
The photos below show the initial erection of the Doughcloyne Pedestrian walkway and its eventual removal. In its place now lies the Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover. Construction began in July 2011 and the SRR Flyover opened in July 2013.
Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge circa early 1990s
Note : South Ring Road under construction
Photo : Dave Morey
Note : South Ring Road under construction
Photo : Dave Morey
Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge as seen
walking towards Doughcloyne
Photo : Joe Healy
walking towards Doughcloyne
Photo : Joe Healy
Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge circa 2009
Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge circa 2011
prior to removal
prior to removal
Removal of Doughcloyne pedestrian bridge
November 2011
November 2011
Diversion of streamlet in Doughcloyne
to Glasheen River prior to construction of Flyover
SIAC Construction © Shannon Images Ltd.
May 2012
Culvert of streamlet from Doughcloyne
side of Roundabout
as seen in 2014 ( now overgrown )
Culvert of streamlet from Doughcloyne
as it passes under S.R.R./Flyover
as seen in 2014
which is then piped again into Glasheen River
to Glasheen River prior to construction of Flyover
SIAC Construction © Shannon Images Ltd.
May 2012
side of Roundabout
as seen in 2014 ( now overgrown )
as it passes under S.R.R./Flyover
as seen in 2014
which is then piped again into Glasheen River
Construction of Sarsfield Road Roundabout Flyover
SIAC Construction © Shannon Images Ltd.
2012/2013
SIAC Construction © Shannon Images Ltd.
2012/2013
Togher Road overpass
In tandem with the construction of the South Ring Road through Togher , the main line of Togher Road ( which had been realigned in 1976 following the demolition of its old Railway bridge at The Cutting in 1975 ) saw the erection of a concrete overpass from the Deanrock bar to the old Marshall house in 1994.
Original Togher Road railway bridge
Demolition of Togher railway bridge
New realigned Togher Road circa 1977
View from newly built Togher Road overpass
of South Ring Road under construction 1994
of South Ring Road under construction 1994
Togher Road overpass signage
July 1994
July 1994
View from Togher Road Overpass
looking west to South Ring Road/N40
Northerly approach onto Togher Road Overpass
L & R : Togher Scout Hall & Abbeyville Vets
Southerly approach onto Togher Road Overpass
L & R : Deanrock Bar & Coffey's Field
looking west to South Ring Road/N40
L & R : Togher Scout Hall & Abbeyville Vets
L & R : Deanrock Bar & Coffey's Field
looking west along the South Ring Road
L & R : Coffey's Field & Tramore Road
Pouladuff Road overpass
The old railway bridge which was cited close to Casey's Cross was finally demolished in 1986 and replace by a steep incline which included a culvert across the Tramore River. The incline itself and the culvert were removed in the mid 1990s and completely replaced by the new Pouladuff Road Overpass in 1995.
Original Pouladuff Road railway bridge
circa 1986 shortly before demolition
View from Pouladuff Road Overpass
looking west to South Ring Road/N40
looking west to South Ring Road/N40
Northerly approach from Casey's Cross
onto Pouladuff Road Overpass
Southerly approach from Lr. Pouladuff Road
off Mathew Hill/Forge Hill
onto Pouladuff Road Overpass
off Mathew Hill/Forge Hill
looking west along the South Ring Road
CLASSIFICATIONS OF ROADS
There are 4 Classifications of Roads in Ireland. M , N ,R & L.
M - Motorway
N - National
R - Regional
L - Local
Togher has currently no M ( Motorway )status roads. It is bisected to the North by the N40 ( South Ring Road ) which from West to East begins at the piped section of the Glasheen River ( which skirts around Bishops Court S.C. and under the approach to the Bandon Road Roundabout/Flyover ) and terminates at the Pouladuff Road Overpass. On its Western side it is bounded by the N71 ( Bandon/Waterfall Road ) from Crows Cross adjacent to Kilmurriheen to the point just before the Industrial/Commercial Park before Bishops Court S.C. ( where the Glasheen River is piped to its rear ). It is bounded to the East by the N27 ( Airport Road ) which becomes the R600 beyond Farmers Cross. All interior roads carry the L Classification with Togher Road bearing the title of L1011. The Sarsfield Road in Doughcloyne , Togher is a major merger road with the N40 and bears the title of L2450 with Togher's other major L Classiification Road being Pouladuff Road bearing the title of L2455. The 2 roads running adjacent to the N40 are Togher's only interior R Classification Roads bearing the Title of R641.
Exits/Slip Roads/Pedestrian Access
EXITS ( 2 )
1 : Pouladuff Road Exit - Eastbound
The N40 features 2 Exit Roads which enable departure off the main National Road. The first one , driving Eastward ( approaching the Pouladuff Road Overpass ) is off the N40 and up onto Caseys Cross.
Aerial view of Exit off South Ring Road
L - Tramore Road/Casey's Cross
R - Southside Industrial Estate
L - Tramore Road/Casey's Cross
R - Southside Industrial Estate
Signage eastbound indicating exit off N40
onto Casey's Cross & Pouladuff Road
onto Casey's Cross & Pouladuff Road
Eastward exit off South Ring Road
( just before Pouladuff Road Overpass )
up onto Casey's Cross
Signage halfway up exit onto Casey's Cross
Approaching Casey's Cross from Exit
2 : Doughcloyne/Sarsfield Road Exit - Westbound
The second one , driving Westward is off the N40 before the Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover and exits down into Doughcloyne and Sarsfield Road in addition to access to the roundabout or westerly onto Bishops Court S.C. and the N71.
onto Doughcloyne ( shown on left )
Note : Glasheen River ( blue ) - Togher's boundary
* Dots indicate piping
Exit off South Ring Road
( approach to Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover )
down into Doughcloyne/Sarsfield Road/Roundabout
Exit off South Ring Road
( approach to Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover )
nearing Roundabout
( approach to Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover )
down into Doughcloyne/Sarsfield Road/Roundabout
( approach to Sarsfield Road Roundabout/Flyover )
nearing Roundabout
SLIP ROADS ( 2 ) - Eastbound
1 : Bandon Road Roundabout Slip Road
Aside from the Exits off the N40 , there are several Slip Roads which enable access onto the N40. The first one leads Eastbound adjacent to the Bandon Road Flyover and is officially designated the R641 ( Togher's only Regional Road ).
Aerial view of Togher portion of Slip Road
Adjacent to Bandon Road Roundabout/Flyover
Woodhaven ( L ) & Dunnes Stores ( R )
Adjacent to Bandon Road Roundabout/Flyover
Woodhaven ( L ) & Dunnes Stores ( R )
Slip Road adjacent to Bandon Road Flyover ( R )
Woodhaven shown on Left
Woodhaven shown on Left
R641 ( L ) carries onto Sarsfield Road Rounabout
Merger road ( R ) meets up with N40
Merger road meeting Sarsfield Road Flyover ( Eastbound )
R641 shown on Left
2 : Sarsfield Road Roundabout Slip Road
Merger road ( R ) meets up with N40
R641 shown on Left
2 : Sarsfield Road Roundabout Slip Road
The Slip Road next meets up with the Sarsfield Road Roundabout and enables access either under the Flyover to Sarsfield Road , Doughcloyne or straight ahead to merge back onto the N40 Eastbound towards Togher Road Overpass and Pouladuff Road Overpass. Access is also available from the turn off from Sarsfield Road , Wilton.
Aerial view of exit off R641 ( Sarsfield Road )
left to merge with N40 Eastbound ( See photos above for journey )
Roundabout ahead for access to Sarsfield Road ( Doughcloyne , Togher)
Approach to Sarsfield Road Roundabout
Slip Road ( L ) onto N40 near Sandbrook , Togher
Slip Road at Sarsfield Road Roundabout
back onto N40
back onto N40
Merging Slip Roads onto N40 Eastbound
Sandbrook & St. Finbarrs HF Club grounds ( L )
Sandbrook & St. Finbarrs HF Club grounds ( L )
Merger with N40 Eastbound
St. Finbarrs HF club ( L ) & Westside Estate ( R )
St. Finbarrs HF club ( L ) & Westside Estate ( R )
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ( 2 )
1 : From/To
Sarsfield Road ( North of S.R.R. ) / Sarsfield Road ( South of S.R.R. )
Despite consisting of an N Class road and an R Class road , there is limited pedestrian access. There is Southbound access at the Sarsfield Road Roundabout and Westbound access off the Sarsfield Road , Doughcloyne which also provides a footpath Westbound to Dunnes Stores ( and onto the N71 )
1 : From/To
Sarsfield Road ( North of S.R.R. ) / Sarsfield Road ( South of S.R.R. )
Sarsfield Road junction heading south
Turn left across road to stream
Head south under Flyover
Left across road after Flyover
South across to Doughcloyne next to
N40 Exit
2 : From/To
( S ) Doughcloyne/Sarsfield Road , Togher to ( W ) Dunnes Stores
N40 Exit
2 : From/To
( S ) Doughcloyne/Sarsfield Road , Togher to ( W ) Dunnes Stores
The only other foot access is South from Sarsfield Road , Doughcloyne and West adjacent to the R641/N40 to Dunnes Stores.
( L ) Dunnes Stores
Irish Elk remains found at Doughcloyne Roundabout
It was during the initial South Ring Road project in the early 1990s that workers uncovered the skull and antlers of two Irish Elk. These would have sunk into the marshy ground circa 11,000 years ago
in their quest for food and been buried alive. These giants would have
stood just shy of 7 Feet at the shoulders and weighed close to 1,500
lbs! The find was made in Doughcloyne , Togher close to the location of the then Doughcloyne
Roundabout ( now Sarsfield Flyover ). They are housed in the Cork Museum.
Roundabout ( now Sarsfield Flyover ). They are housed in the Cork Museum.
Skull and partial antler of Irish Elk
Irish Elk wandering into marshy bogland
©https://www.nhm.ac.uk
Megaloceros giganteus
©https://www.nhm.ac.uk
©https://www.nhm.ac.uk
©https://www.nhm.ac.uk
