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Skehard Road Realignment Scheme

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Over the passed number of weeks there has been much comment in relation to the ongoing works at the junction of the Well Road and Skehard Road.

The first thing to note, is that the traffic lights currently in place are temporary lights during the construction phase, effectively a stop-go system. When the project is finalised, there will be an intelligent light system installed – that can detect traffic volumes at different points of the junction and adjust the lighting sequence as required. More details here: http://www.scoot-utc.com/HowSCOOTWorks.php?menu=Overview

In regard to the overall Skehard Road Realignment, I spoke the Council’s Roads engineers at length last year when the scheme went out to public consultation and I am confident that the investment will be worthwhile.

The Skehard Road Realignment Project will improve the stretch of road from Church Yard Lane to Park Hill Estate. The scheme will provide safe routes and crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. It will provide widened footpaths, road drainage, public lighting, service ducting and landscaping. It will also remove the existing sub standard roundabout.

The total area is approximately 16,000 square metres overall. When complete the project will provide 350 m of Bus lane, 700 m of Cycle Lane, two general traffic lanes with additional turning lanes where necessary. Two new traffic signalised junctions will be provided, one at the junction of Skehard Rd / Well Road and the other at the junction of Skehard Rd / Silverdale Grove. Other work includes new public lighting, ducting, drainage, landscaping and footpaths.

During the public consultation process last November, quite a number of submissions were received and a number of issues raised. These have been dealt with in the design phase of the scheme.

Traffic jams:

Urban Roundabouts are perceived to be free flowing however this is not the case. In fact traffic signalised junctions typically outperform roundabouts at peak traffic hours when demand is at its highest. In addition roundabouts focus is on vehicles at the expense of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority recommend that where possible this type of roundabout should be phased out for safety reasonshence the proposed signalised junction.

The signals will be monitored and controlled using the scoot traffic management system therefore congestion will be minimised.

Similar arguments were recently put forward in opposition to the removal of the Wilton Roundabout. The issue of congestion resulting from the removal of a roundabout was discussed at length as part of the An Bord Pleanala Planning Hearing into the Wilton Shopping Centre. Engineering Consultants on both sides of the argument ultimately agreed that the proposed signalised junction would be more efficient than the roundabout.

Road Realignment:

A number of alignments were examined as part of the Design Process and the preferred solution was selected based on the following criteria:

(a) The alignment must provide sightlines at all junction legs.

(b) The scheme must provide safe pedestrian and cyclist facilities & crossing points.

(c) Urban roundabouts are not compatible with safe pedestrian and cyclist movement therefore the roundabout must be replaced in line with national policy.

(d) The alignment must provide safe & efficient vehicle movement, turning facilities and stacking.

(e) Provision of safe access.

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