The planning process for of major road-widening projects, junction improvements and bus priority measures to solve the Parkmore traffic crisis will begin next month.
A schedule of short-term measures to alleviate traffic congestion have already been implemented, including road-capacity improvements, improved signal-control management, and junction realignments.
However, a timeline for a programme of more substantial measures to be implemented in the medium-term has now been devised, Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton said this week.
“The issue of traffic congestion affecting commuters and businesses in Parkmore has been an absolute priority for me. It is impacting on the quality of life of individuals and families, as well as adversely affecting the potential for job creation in Galway.
“The crisis was neglected by local authorities for too long, but I am pleased that the intervention of Minister Simon Coveney at my request in March has finally resulted in action, and a clear strategy is now in place.”
A plan for the Parkmore Access Improvement Project has been devised by an engineering firm in conjunction with both Galway City and County Councils. It sets out short and medium-term measures designed to relieve traffic congestion in the vicinity of the business park.
Short-term measures – intended to provide urgent capacity improvements using existing infrastructure and avoiding planning delays – have included road-capacity improvements at Lynch Junction and Parkmore Junction, as well as the realignment of Doughiska Junction and improved signal-control management.
Medium-term measures include an extensive programme of road widening, improvements to junctions, bus priority measures, as well as the incorporation of a park-and-ride facility.
The ‘Part-8’ planning process (meaning it must go out for public consultation) is scheduled to commence next month and is expected to be approved in September. Simultaneously, the preparation of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) will begin in July and conclude in November.
The execution of CPOs, whereby land required for road widening and other measures will be acquired from property owners, is expected to have concluded in April 2018.
For more on the Parkmore proposals and discussions at a City Council meeting this week, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. Buy a digital edition of this week’s paper here, or download the app for Android or iPhone.
The post Parkmore traffic relief measures to go on public display in June appeared first on Connacht Tribune.