Permanent traffic lights to be installed next week at busy Athlone junction
by Kevin O'Neill
New permanent traffic lights scheduled to be put in place at the Golden Island/Carrickobrien junction in Athlone from next week, according to Westmeath County Council.
The council today (Wednesday) moved to clarify developments at the busy town centre junction, after a level of confusion was raised when three sets of temporary traffic lights were placed at the approaches to the junction in recent days.
Traffic tailbacks in the area since then have also led to frustration among motorists.
Willie Ryan, District Engineer for the Athlone Moate Municipal District, told the Westmeath Independent: "Temporary lights were erected in recent days to make the junction operate better in the interim, but some sequencing issues with the temporary traffic lights are also raising concerns.
"We are correcting those issues today (Wednesday)," stated Mr Ryan.
"The junction improvements primarily included tightening the junction and the installation of traffic signals, including pedestrian crossing.
"The signal installation was delayed, and resulted in reports of issues at the junction. Permanent light signals are due to be installed next week, and we anticipate the junction will operate as designed thereafter."
Recently, Carrickobrien resident and former local election candidate Tom Cleary told the Westmeath Independent that people from the area were "up in arms" about what they perceive to be "ongoing and unresolved issues" relating to the Carrickobrien Road in Athlone.
He felt that the recent installation, by the local council, of flower beds adjoining the footpath at the T-junction leading in and out of the start of the Carrickobrien road (close to the Aldi supermarket) had only served to worsen the traffic problem in the area.
Mr Cleary, speaking on behalf of concerned local residents, said the need for the installation of new traffic lights at the junction was of paramount importance to the safety of the Athlone public, whether they are pedestrians, nearby residents, cyclists, or motorists.