One-way system to cause 'acceptable' traffic delays in Athlone

Motorists will experience increased traffic delays in Athlone as a result of the planned one-way system on Church Street, but these delays will be 'within acceptable limits'.

That's according to a report from transport consultants Systra on the one-way system due to be introduced as part of the council's €3m enhancement plan for Athlone's central street.

Systra's 'Traffic Assessment Technical Summary' went on public display last week as part of the public consultation process for the project.

It stated that the one-way westbound traffic system would 'reduce traffic volumes' on Church Street and would 'provide sufficient space' to improve the street's appearance, and make it more welcoming to pedestrians.

The report states that the new system will result in 'an increase in queuing and delays' at The Crescent, Station Road, and Coosan Point Road.

In addition, there will be a 'slight increase in delays' at the Pump Lane junction (next to the site of the former O'Neill's pub).

Overall, however, the consultants concluded that these delays on the road network in the town centre would be of an 'acceptable' level.

The new system is likely to ease delays on the town bridge, and at the Northgate Street/Custume Place junction, because there will be a 'reduced number of conflicting movements' under the one-way plan.

Traffic assessments conducted in the town earlier this year found that Church Street currently carries 'heavy traffic volumes throughout the day' with two way traffic flows 'exceeding 1,000 vehicles per hour' during peak times in the morning and evening.

Design proposals for the street revamp aim to create 'a distinctive sense of place' which will encourage visitors and locals to 'spend longer periods in the area, thereby contributing to and encouraging economic growth of the town centre'.

The changes that are planned include 'a substantial new public space at the Custume Place end of Church Street' as well as 'increased footpath widths, particularly to the front of St Mary's Church of Ireland, and the pinch-points on Dublin Gate Street and in the vicinity of Centra'.

Church Street will be resurfaced in its entirety 'in high quality paving materials'. Bicycle stands will be erected 'in key locations'.

In addition, there will be new street furniture, new public lighting, planting of trees, and provision for CCTV cameras. The existing loading bay and taxi rank outside St Mary's Church of Ireland will be retained.

The plans can be inspected at Athlone Civic Centre until January 16, and they can also be viewed on the Westmeath County Council website.

The closing date for submissions from the public is February 1.