R446 road (Ireland)
The R446 road a regional road in Ireland. The road connects Kinnegad in County Westmeath to Galway City. Prior to the construction of the M6 motorway the R446 formed the main N6 road connecting Dublin and Galway (via the N4 at Kinnegad). Following the opening of the M6; the old N6 road was downgraded to regional road status and was designated as the R446. The road is an alternative route between Galway and Dublin and runs in parallel to the M6.
From Kinnegad the road travels in a westwards direction passing through the midland counties of Westmeath & Offaly. It crosses the River Shannon at Athlone and continues into counties Roscommon and Galway. The road passes through the following towns and villages en route to Galway City from Kinnegad; Milltownpass, Rochfortbridge, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Horseleap, Moate, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Craughwell & Oranmore (bypassed). The road ends at the Coolagh Roundabout with the junction of the N6 east of Galway City.
Route (sections)
(As of December 2009)
- From Kinnegad to Athlone in County Westmeath.
- From the M6 east of Athlone to the N6 west of Athlone.
- From the N6 west of Athlone to R357 east of Ballinasloe in County Roscommon.
- From the R355 west of Ballinasloe to the N65 east of Loughrea in County Galway.
- From the N66 west of Loughrea to the N18 west of Oranmore.
- From N18 north of Oranmore to the N6 at Doughiska west of Galway.
