Safety concerns raised over Brideswell road bends

by David Flynn

Two very dangerous bends should be removed on the R363 road at Cam, Brideswell, and safety measures provided – the November Athlone area meeting of Roscommon County Council heard.

Independent councillor bends Tony Ward called on the county council to start the programme of works at this location, “immediately,” in the interest of road safety.

He was told by the meeting coordinator regarding the bend on the R363 at Cam, west of the junction with the L-7542-28, works were carried out some years ago to widen and surface the verge.

Susan Loughane told the meeting that it is proposed to resurface this section of road including the widened hard shoulder, and that a review of the lining and signage at the location will be undertaken and relining and additional signage will be provided as identified.

“A survey of the bend between the village and community centre has been undertaken,” said the coordinator. “The location of a residence on the inside of the bend limits any road alignment works that can be undertaken at this location. A review of the lining and signage at this location will be undertaken and relining and additional signage will be provided as identified.”

Cllr. Ward commented on Roadstone getting planning permission for a quarry at Cam, and providing a substantial amount of money to the council, several years ago.

“I was a new councillor then and there was a lot of concern and issues and I suppose the same issues are still there about the amount of traffic on the road, and the speed and lack of signage there, despite fatalities on that road in recent times,” said the Independent councillor. “Cycleways and walkways for areas, doesn’t seem to be happening in South Roscommon, and if it is, it’s at a very slow pace. I would like a count of traffic done on that road,” he added, citing what he said was an increase of traffic over the next few years.

“I hope that works will be carried out shortly. Are there any other plans by the county council in removing of bends, because what you have there is double bends, and there is no signage?”

Cllr Emer Kelly, seconding the motion, said there is a significant volume of traffic on the road with lorries coming from the quarry.

Cllr Laurence Fallon said he agreed that there is a very dangerous double bend there and is happy to hear that some work will be done regarding road re-surfacing and markings.

“The problem with re-surfacing is it could increase speed, and it’s important that we put in significant warnings there, particularly on the Ballyforan side,” said Cllr Fallon.

Cllr Ward commented again about the Roadstone money from around 2005 and asked if it was used on the road at that time.

The meeting administrator said she didn’t currently have that information.

“I know there was some improvement done, and at that location around Cam Hill they either ran out of money or ideas because it definitely is a very, very urgent case,” said Cllr Ward.

Susan Loughnane said a survey was done on that road, and agreed the road bend is the most serious.

“We do intend to resurface it, and are looking at the 2026 programme, and I know what you are saying Laurence, sometimes it can make traffic faster,” said the meeting administrator.

Cllr Ward said he hoped there would be signs erected “at the bad corner, when you leave Brideswell before Cam”, because it’s a sharp bend.

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