Traffic flow discussions pertaining to ongoing flood defence works on the Carrickobrien road have realised progress for residents of the community.
The residents were initially set to have town access halted by a road closure to facilitate works by the OPW on the Athlone flood defence scheme at the River Al, but on foot of a meeting between those impacted by the decision and council representatives, a revised works schedule has been implemented allowing a smoother traffic flow transition than that originally mooted by the local authority.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Carrickobrien resident, Tom Cleary, noted that modified schedule presented to residents at the local authority meeting was welcome.
“Preparation works adjacent to the River Al started this week and while the council initially suggested that our access route to the town be closed this is now not the case. A full road closure will come into operation from Monday, March 11, but the schedule of works is now envisaged to be three weeks as opposed to the initial six week period initially put forward.
“An increase in personnel working on this particular schedule of works will shorten the duration of road closure for the residents which is a positive,” Mr Cleary said.
Mr Cleary confirmed that the road will be open for use to the residents each weekend allowing for regular access to the town.
“The road will reopen at the close of business on Friday, March 15, for the duration of St Patrick’s weekend, with works recommencing on March 19. We will be monitoring the situation on a day to day basis, the aim being to maintain regular contact with the local authority as the works progress,” Mr Cleary added.
Frustration
A sense of frustration was the pervading feeling amongst the Carrickobrien and Golden Island community when news of the works first emerged as a complete road closure for a six week period would have resulted in a 16 mile round trip, via Clonbonny and the old Dublin Road to access town services.
With positive face to face discussions now having progressed, such a scenario has been averted much to the relief of the community, Mr Cleary confirming that approximately 40 households would have been impacted by the prolonged road closure.
