Stop/go system put in place to stem bypass delays

Traffic volumes are constantly being monitored as part of the Athlone bypass upgrade project, Westmeath County Council confirmed this week, and if necessary a stop/go system will be put in place at the Roscommon Road junction again this week to ease delays. The local authority received a number of complaints last week from the public in relation to disruption and delays on Thursday and Friday last at the diversion put in place redirecting Monksland-bound drivers at the Roscommon Road junction back into Baylough. Gardai were on point duty at the junction at peak times on Thursday and Friday to a bid to ease the backlog caused by the exit closures which will continue until September 2 next. Drivers are still reminded that the junction 13 (Monksland) of the Athlone bypass remains closed, and to take diversions signposted at junction 12 (Roscommon) instead. Otherwise, west-bound drivers will end up having to travel all the way to Ballinasloe as there is no other exit off the motorway until junction 14 (Ballinasloe). The bypass will also be down to one lane in each direction using a contraflow system between junction 12 (Roscommon) and junction 13 (Monksland) until September 2 next. The diversion will take drivers after junction 12 at Sean White's Garage right onto the Roscommon road towards Baylough and then at the top of the road, to take another right onto the old Galway road and right back up to the Monksland roundabout. Craig Smart, Senior Resident Engineer with Westmeath County Council, admitted there were some delays last week, particularly going into Baylough on Thursday and Friday, but the situation was being monitored and if necessary, appropriate action will be taken to try and ease traffic flows. The Monksland restrictions will remain in place until September 2. He confirmed the project to upgrade the bypass was still on schedule for an October conclusion. The next area they would turn their attention to would be a small section of work on the westbound entry to junction 13 (Monksland) which necessitate its closure for a short time before the project is completed. "The council have always said it will be finished in October and we're on programme for that," he stressed. Meanwhile, drivers will also have to contend with traffic restrictions at Garrycastle Bridge from yesterday (Tuesday) until Thursday, where resurfacing is underway on the R916 from Cypress Gardens to the bridge. Motorists are asked to follow all diversion signs in place and drive with care. Local access will be maintained during the works. Regular updates and diversion drawings will be posted on council website at www.westmeathcoco.ie