Castlewhite Junction Is ‘Absolutely Lethal’ Writes Leo McMahon
A review of safety at the Castlewhite junction near Chetwynd Viaduct on the N71 West Cork highway was urged by Cllr Marcia D’Alton (Ind) at the monthly meeting of Cork County Council’s Carrigaline-Ballincollig Municipal District (MD). Over 18,500 vehicles used the main road daily and up to 2,000 per hour at peak times. ‘Drivers come out from Castlewhite, Ballinora and Waterfall for the city without a feeder lane on to what is a 100kph speed limit zone and equally if they come out to do a right hand turn towards West Cork, they must cross a 100kph highway,’ she stated. ‘For cars coming from West Cork and turning off left for Castlewhite there’s no feeder lane to get into to slow down and there’s usually a line of vehicles travelling at 100kph behind them. It’s absolutely lethal.’ Cllr D’Alton contended there was room for feeder lanes into and out of Castlewhite junction and it perplexed her why it hadn’t been done. She asked that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) look at it. Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) in support, said the area in question was extremely dangerous and the issue had previously been raised with TII and the National Roads Authority. He suggested a safety audit be carried out. In agreement, cathaoirleach Derry Canty (FG) said that recently, a vehicle ended up on its roof at this point and there had been other accidents. Problems were encountered where the two lanes became one at the end of the dual carriageway approaching Castlewhite junction and exiting from The Viaduct Bar due to high speeds. Cllr Joe Harris (Social Democrats) also supported the motion adding that there was also a flooding problem on the L226 road. Cllr D’Alton’s motion was adopted and it was agreed to write to the TII.
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