Revamp plan will create 'longer traffic queues' on Athlone street

Traffic modelling which was carried out ahead of a planned revamp of Mardyke Street and part of Sean Costello Street concluded that the project would lead to longer traffic delays on the Gleeson Street approach to the town centre.

Transport consultancy firm Systra completed a traffic modelling report on the multi-million euro Athlone streetscape development which would pedestrianise a 90-metre stretch of Sean Costello Street, between Flannery's pub and Mardyke Street.

In addition, new traffic signals would be installed - along with "enhanced pedestrian facilities" - at the junction of Mardyke Street, Gleeson Street, Pump Lane and St Mary's Square.

Systra's traffic modelling found that these changes would "present longer queues" on Gleeson Street, but it said "the maximum queue will not affect the northern junction, The Crescent."

It said traffic flows along John Broderick Street, Irishtown and St Mary's Square "will clear in a single cycle," but traffic on Gleeson Street would not clear in a single cycle during peak times in the morning and evening.

When preparing its report, the consultancy firm carried out traffic surveys in September 2020 and used data from 2019 to factor in the pandemic's impact on traffic levels at that time.

A period of public consultation on the streetscape plan is currently underway. The council said the project would "seamlessly extend" the recent Church Street revamp further eastwards.

Planning documents state that the project aims to "increase footfall within the town centre" and "set a catalyst for change for the public realm of Athlone".

As part of the development, railings are due to be removed around the Marist Brothers monument at St Mary's Square. The monument itself is to be moved to "a more prominent position" in the same general area.

It's anticipated that, after the pedestrianisation of Sean Costello Street, vehicular access for deliveries "will be time-restricted and controlled through removable bollards" at both ends of the street.

Earlier this year, €4.13m in Government funding was awarded for the Athlone public realm enhancement project.

The planning documents for it are currently available for viewing on the Westmeath County Council website, and public submissions can be made for another two weeks, until 4pm on Wednesday, May 12.