By the end of 2009, the Galway City Council’s Galway Transportation Unit is determined that the city will see progress on the Galway City Outer Bypass, have quality bus corridors, pilot park and ride schemes, an urban traffic control system, and cycle facilities.
The GTU recently outlined its programme of infrastructural works, transport initiatives, and policy developments, combined with measures to assess progress over time.
By December 31 this year, the GTU wants to see the Galway City Outer Bypass become a reality. To do this it will advance measures to link the approved sections of the bypass with the Barna/Furbo coast road on the R336; assess if N6 signage scheme is appropriate for directing traffic; develop a traffic management plan to facilitate the rollout of phase one of the bypass; and develop a strategy for the future use of roads following the bypass’ construction.
The GTU also wants to organise a park and ride service for the period of the Volvo Race and to pilot a park and ride service catering for commuters travelling to Galway from the N17 in September 2009. There will also be the annual pre-Christmas park and ride service in December.
Quality bus corridors are also a priority with the GTU planning a rollout of the Dublin Road QBC, completing the design of the Monivea Road QBC and city centre QBC, and the upgrading works proposed for the Monivea Road/Joyce’s Road junction.
The GTU is also planning a new public transport corridor from the Dublin Road to Doughiska and Ardaun, through HSE lands at Merlin Park. It also wants to make progress on the design proposed for the Public Transport Corridor along the railway line between the city centre and Doughiska/Roscam on foot of the recommendations of the Public Transport Feasibility Study.
GTU staff will progress recommendations proposed for Galway Cathedral terminus stemming from Galway Strategic Bus Study and Public Transportation Feasibility Study. The upgrading of the Seamus Quirke Road will also commence this year.
This year will also see the rollout of a pilot urban traffic control system for the Dublin Road and the provision of bus shelters capable of incorporating future integrated ticketing and future real-time scheduling on one east and one west route in 2009.
The findings of the Public Transport Feasibility Study addressing light rail and bus rapid transit will be completed by May 2009 and the GTU team aims to progress its recommendations subject to funding availability.
Other key actions for 2009 include the rollout of mobility management plans among key employers in the city; a strategy for the development and promotion of cycling and walking in the city; improve the cycling infrastructure in the city through bus lanes, cycle schemes, cycle lanes, and cycle parking facilities.
The GTU is also developing a website which will detail all information relevant to transportation to, from, and within the city. The GTU will also conduct an annual survey of transport and traffic indicators for Galway city in November.
The head of Galway Transportation Unit Joe Tansey said that at this time of economic uncertainty, the Galway City Council will liaise with key decision-makers to ensure that funding for these projects is secured so that the GTU’s objectives can be met.
