Bypass junction work sparks new traffic chaos fears

The prospect of further traffic chaos in Athlone seems increasingly likely as an upgrade of the junctions along the bypass looks set to commence once the current resurfacing is completed later this summer. In yet another blow to local motorists who have had to contend with major disruption since the bypass works commenced, it now looks like there will be little respite as an upgrade of the slip roads is expected to cause further delays once construction begins in the autumn. Back in February, €2.6million was allocated by the National Roads Authority for an upgrade of the junctions along the ten-kilometre bypass stretch which carries more than 30,000 vehicles a day. This includes the provision of traffic lights and a pedestrian footbridge at the Garrycastle interchange, along with widening of the stretch to four lanes. Traffic lights will be also installed at the Coosan interchange, the Roscommon road junctions and Ballymahon road, where a mini-roundabout will also constructed at junction with the Arcadia Road as part of the project. Michael Kelly of the Road Design Office of Westmeath County Council conceded there will be disruption when this work begins on the junctions but said it would be a much shorter timeframe than the resurfacing and more localised. "It definitely won't be starting before September," he explained, adding the project design was currently being finalised before going out to tender. Each junction will be completed separately to minimise traffic delays, he added. In the plan for the project which is currently on display for public comment until April 18 next, the council conceded "traffic management measures" would be to necessary to facilitate construction including temporary lane closures but it will be carried out to minimise disruption to traffic. Short-term closures of one of the two lanes at Garrycastle may be needed to build the pedestrian/cyclist footbridge adjacent to the current Garrycastle Bridge, while overnight closure or restrictions on the N6 Athlone Relief road could also be a feature. However, Michael Kelly pointed out that the Athlone area is lucky enough to have received over €9 million funding for the road, something which has been sought for many years and the end result of the works will be worth some short-term disruption. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran confirmed that he intends to ask for a debate at the next council meeting on the traffic issue to see if there is anything that can be done to speed up vehicles going through the town during the roadworks. He said the delays on the westside thus far have been acute and when work begins on the Ballymahon road junction it will have a "major effect on the whole town". Boxer stated the council owe it to the ratepayers and businesses who are losing out to try and come up with ways to minimise the delays, suggesting perhaps that gardai man the lights or some kind of one-way system be put in place. Although he acknowledged the hardship to businesses, he said it was important to note that they have been trying to get the NRA to do something with the road for a long time and there will be huge benefits to drivers once the project is finished. Similarly, Cllr Frankie Keena acknowledged there is already "huge inconvenience" before traffic restrictions and disruption kicks in when the work starts on each junction in the autumn, however, he said the end result will be worthwhile. It's thought work on interchanges will begin in September or October and will take up to two months to complete. "There is huge inconvenience while the work is going on but for me, the Garrycastle junction is very problematic with traffic congestion in the mornings. The upgrade of the relief road is the first stage, then the traffic lights is the second, and hopefully the bridge will be next. It's a three stage project," he argued. Cllr Keena admitted he has received complaints from businesses during the current resurfacing work on the bypass because traffic seems to be forced into the centre of town at peak times, a solution to which is difficult but he did suggest that the council might look at the timings of the traffic lights as a way to keep the increased volume of cars moving especially the busy times in the mornings and evenings.