Plans have been announced to widen the M7 motorway to three lanes between Naas and Newbridge in Co Kildare.

At present the M7 reduces to two lanes at Junction 9 Naas, causing significant tailbacks during peak times.

Under the planned scheme, the motorway will widen to three lanes in both directions from Junction 9 - the perpetual motion, or 'big blue ball' junction - to the M7/M9 interchange at Junction 11.

The plan will also see the relocation of the existing ramps at Junction 10 (Naas South) and the construction of a new junction at Oberstown, to be called Junction 9a.

Two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times between 6am and 10pm during the construction process, the Department of Transport and Traffic Infrastructure Ireland said in a statement.

However a special speed limit will be in place during the works.

The M7 carries approximately 70,000 vehicles per day and is the main network connection between Dublin and Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Limerick.

The project, which covers around 14 kilometres, is scheduled to be completed early in 2020.