Meath County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA), officially opened the Local Distributor Road 4 (LDR4) road on the afternoon of Friday, 24 October 2025, a new 1.2km route which is projected to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and boost connectivity for the people of Navan. The LDR4 connects the N51/R147 Kells Road at the south of the River Blackwater in Abbeyland to the L3409 Ratholdron Road at the north, vastly improving the link from the north of Navan to the M3 Motorway, as well as significantly reducing traffic congestion in the centre of the town.
The delivery of the LDR4 includes a new bridge crossing over the River Blackwater, enhancing access to a number of areas of strategic importance in the north of Navan including the Clonmagadden area. In addition to public lighting and service duct provision, the LDR4 consists of 3.25 metre wide traffic lanes with 2-metre-wide cycle tracks and 2.5-metre-wide footpaths on either side, in addition to two new signalised junctions with pedestrian crossing facilities at the N51/R147 Kells Road and the L3409 Ratholdron Road.
The cyclist and pedestrian facilities also provide the additional benefit of safely linking the LDR4 to Blackwater Public Park and provides a suitable route for walkers/cyclists wishing to access the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding said: “Every element of this project is in complete alignment with the Council’s vision for a thriving and inclusive County, recognising fully that our expanding population needs robust infrastructure such as the LDR4. “At Meath County Council, we want resilient and dynamic communities. Reducing congestion in our towns also reduces emissions, meaning less pollution, better air quality, a healthier environment, and an improved quality of life.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe said: “Everything we do in Meath County Council comes down to just four words – our vision – Make Meath Even Better. “Today, by officially opening the LDR4, we are doing just that. I am delighted to see so many people using the route already this week and I know the LDR4 will have a positive effect on the quality of life of thousands of people in Navan in so many significant and impactful ways.”
In the ribbon cutting photograph pictured above is Deputy Chief Executive of Meath County Council Fiona Lawless, Mayor of Navan Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding, and Director of Services for Transport and Navan MD Area Manager at Meath County Council Martin Murray.
