More Safety Measures Sought for New Bridge Project near Lidl Roundabout

Writes Leo McMahon

Safety measures during the course of work on the Active Travel foot and cycle bridge project near Lidl roundabout, Carrigaline were urged by Cllrs Jack White (FG) and Audrey Buckley (FF) at the monthly meeting of the county council’s Carrigaline Municipal District (MD).

Cllr White proposed that a structured temporary pedestrian crossing be established on the Crosshaven side of the roundabout to ensure safe passage for pedestrians from the footpaths on either side of the road during the nine months construction period of the new bridge over the Owenabue River.

‘It’s envisioned there will be a crossing here anyway during implementation of the Carrigaline Transportation and Public Realm Enhancement Plan but we recognise that this will be some time off’, he added.

Cllr Buckley also called for a pedestrian crossing adjoining the new bridge works between Bothar Guidel and Crosshaven Road, specifically at the crossing point from the Lidl side to the footpath on the opposite side.

‘Given the significant number of pedestrians using this area, particularly with the return of schoolchildren in September, consideration should also be given by the contractor to assigning someone to assist the many children crossing at this point on the R612.  It’s a widely used crossing and pro-active safety measures are urgently needed before the school term resumes’, she added.

In a report, senior engineer John Slattery replied: ‘ The council’s Sustainable Travel Unit (STU) has reviewed the current traffic management set up. While the traffic management measures that were previously deployed on-site met with chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, additional measures have been installed that include bolt-down reflective bollards with flashing beacons positioned at the pedestrian crossing points on Crosshaven Road and Strand Road to enhance visibility of the crossings and improve the safety for pedestrians.  The performance of the traffic management measures will continue to be monitored as the works progress to completion and its operation will be reviewed again when children start to return to school.’

     Cllr White complimented the STU on the good progress on the project itself but said he had been contacted by several people voicing concern about safety at the crossing.  Additional signs and bolt-in poles were welcome but he asked for a more permanent crossing as done successfully with tarmac speed ramps with flashing lights recently installed in Ringaskiddy.

    Seconding, Cllr Patrick Donovan (FF) said he also got a lot of contact about the issue. A lot was going on the location and while he welcomed the project and measures taken, suggested lining be painted to assist pedestrians from the Sail Garden to the Circus Field and from Lidl to the river and two temporary wardens when schools re-opened.

Cllr Una McCarthy (FG) concurred, saying it was dangerous crossing there. Whilst there had been improvements, something more permanent was needed, especially when schools re-opened.

Outlining her motion, Cllr Buckley said some cars were not stopping for pedestrians trying to cross and some drivers beeped at them. It was a very busy area. Something more substantial had to be done. Cllr White seconded.

Executive engineer Andy O’Brien said he would look at the situation on the ground, liaise with the STU and come back to the councillors.

In a report, the engineer said bus stop works were nearing completion on the R612 Crosshaven Road ahead of resurfacing from Carrigaline GAA Club to Lidl roundabout which would take place at night. Kilnagleary footpath works were surface and footpath works were 90% done.

In reply to Cllr Buckley, Mr O’Brien said the bus stop near Brookwood was on the schedule of works.

Cllr Donovan voiced concern expressed about Cogan’s Corner, Carrigaline and if anything could be done to improve safety and give road users more warning when turning right from Main Street and into the pedestrian crossing close to the corner on Kilmoney Road Lower. The engineer said he would have a look at it but wasn’t sure where a warning sign could be put.