Cllr Gilligan wants Athlunkard Bridge one-way system
TRAFFIC using Athlunkard Bridge should be restricted to one-way from Limerick to east Clare, to prevent the ongoing serious congestion problem in Corbally, suggests Cllr John Gilligan.
He has been calling for a traffic plan for the area for a number of years, and is to present a notice of motion that recommends making Athlunkard Bridge one-way.
He is to propose that traffic coming in from east Clare would go through Parteen and travel in to the city by Watch House Cross,
However, Rory McDermott, senior executive, Roads Management, claims a one-way system would not be workable.
Back to Cllr Gilligan: “A new road system is planned for that area of the city and now is the time to plan for a diversion of the traffic coming in from Clare.“For over 30 years we have been raising the issue of heavy traffic coming in to the city from that side of Clare, and increasingly it has become worse.
“There are huge traffic volumes and a one way system would alleviate more than half of the cars coming in over the bridge.
“We were unable to build a roundabout at the Mill Road/Corbally Road junction as the area was not wide enough for a roundabout, but gradually the magnitude of the traffic has grown and its so bad now that people coming out of the housing estates – Westbury, Rosendale Gardens etc, frequently find it quicker to walk.
“We often walk past the waiting bus as that too will be stuck in traffic for ages, but there are times when you have to use the car and then the headache begins,” a commuter told the Limerick Post.
When contacted, Mr McDermott, said Cllr Gilligan’s proposal would have to be considered by the National Roads Authority.
“It is a rather drastic proposal which I would not recommend – it is not workable and should not be pursued, but we do have proposals to improve the situation by removing the Grove Island roundabout and installing an inbound bus and cycle lane”.
