A NEW traffic light system will replace the existing roundabout layout on the Dock Road/Shannon Bridge junction.
It will be part of the next phase of the city’s orbital route City Council’s senior engineer, Vincent Murray, has confirmed that the replacement traffic infrastructure, which will be a main gateway to the city, will provide better traffic management.
“We will be retaining the green features and will make it an impressive plaza entrance to the city, with soft landscaping and two giant sails erected at either side of the road, which will be used to advertise festivals and events taking place in the city.
“There have been a lot of accidents at this location and a new junction will significantly improve safety”.
Mr Murray said that due to an expansion of the areas in front of the Clarion Hotel, there is a demand for increased pedestrianisation and safety measures to reduce the volume of traffic from Mallow Street.
“Some 30% more traffic can be achieved by a traffic controlled roundabout, which will also enhance the environment and the buildings and blend in well with our plans for a scheme, down as far as Clohessy’s, with new paving, similar to what will be in Sarsfield Street.
“There will be a smaller junction near the Clarion Hotel and new pathways down as far as Dolan’s Bar”.
He said the council will stipulate that the contractor will maintain the traffic flow at all times.
“The more technical work can be down at night”.
Asked if the pedestrian crossing on the Dock Road will remain or be removed, he replied the situation will be monitored.
Referring to the Abbey Street/Clare Street Roundabout, Mr Murray said it has not been performing very well and will be removed.
“There have been a lot of accidents in this area but we will improve traffic control there – as it is, the canal roundabout has outgrown its usefulness, so it will be replaced with a more efficient system”.
As part of the Orbital Route rollout and the high quality environment plan for John’s Square, Mr Murray added it is hoped to be in construction in early 2011.
“A one-way system here will reduce traffic to the square by 50% – there will be safety lighting installed and linkages to the city”.|
It was also revealed that the council is hopeful of funding being confirmed by February.
“Boardwalks will be built from Poor Man’s Kilkee to Lower Cecil Street – we could start this in October. We are planning the resurfacing of Mallow Street and upgrading of the footpaths and will have the end of William Street completed in November, after which work can commence on O’Connell Street”.
City centre plans also include substantially increased CCTV for the city centre, including John’s Street, Mallow Street and Parnell Street.
The pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street will take place between 2012 and 2013.
