Dublin traffic: motorists are advised to avoid the M50 when the van catches fire on the motorway

Motorists have been warned to avoid the M50, where a van caught fire heading north.

The fire occurs between Junction 6 Blanchardstown and Junction 5 Finglas and gardai asks travelers to use alternative routes if possible.

Heavy smoke is affecting visibility in the area and heavy traffic is piling up both ways on the approach.

Commuters are likely to face chaos arriving home later tonight after Irish Rail canceled and postponed a series of peak services.

Due to an “operational problem”, the following services are canceled this afternoon:

• Docklands – M3 Parkway 15:55 17:25 19:00
• M3 Parkway – Docklands 16:35 18:05
• M3 Parkway – Connolly 19:40
• Connolly – Maynooth 16.12
• Maynooth / Connolly 17.13

Both the 6pm Connolly to Maynooth and the 7pm Maynooth to Connolly have also been canceled.

Elsewhere in the city, AA Roadwatch reports: “Outbound traffic on Rock Rd is slow past the Merrion gates, with delays again through Blackrock on Temple Hill.

“Newtownpark Ave is slow both ways approaching the junction with Annaville Terrace.

“Delays are accumulating on the exit from Dundrum Rd to the Luas Bridge.

“Swords Rd is filling up with people coming from Collins Ave to Drumcondra.

“Malahide Rd runs slowly from Northern Cross past Balgriffin. Then later the road is busy approaching Kinsealy.”

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