Athlone Town Council has decided that a pelican crossing is to be installed at Gleeson Street, to replace the temporary crossing that was in place during construction of the Athlone Towncentre and Sheraton Hotel.
There has been considerable confusion among pedestrians and motorists in recent weeks since the pedestrian crossing, which had been in place at the entrance to the shopping centre for several months, was removed without warning. According to councillors who expressed concern at Monday’s meeting of Athlone Town Council, pedestrians were put at serious risk by its removal as they still perceived the area as a crossing.
Cllr Mick O’Connell, who raised the issue, was informed by town clerk John Walsh that studies are currently being undertaken to examine how a pelican crossing facility at this point might be linked with the sequencing of traffic signals at the Crescent junction in order to optimise the pedestrian facility while not impacting on traffic flow through the junction.
Mr Walsh explained that the original zebra crossing at this location and the informal crossing at KK Print were installed by developers as a temporary measure to divert pedestrians onto the footpath on the east side of Gleeson Street during construction work. Following the opening of the footpath on the opposite side, the flashing lights were switched off; however it was considered that the crossing was unsafe without the lights so the road markings were also removed.
“Public perception is that the crossing was part of the Athlone Towncentre shopping development and it has been well-used since the new shopping centre opened. People are still attempting to cross the road at that location without realising that the crossing no longer exists. It is used by many going to and from the shopping centre and the Fair Green car park,” pointed out Cllr O’Connell.
Town engineer Alan Kelly confirmed that he hoped the pelican crossing could be installed by next month, as the underground infrastructure for the crossing was installed during the road enhancement works carried out by the council in recent years.
