An accident on the N6 Athlone bypass yesterday, which resulted in several hours of traffic delays, topped off a week in which concerns were raised over ongoing upgrade works on the dual carriageway.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Athlone Town Council, Mayor Sheila Buckley Byrne called for additional warning signs to be put in place for the works, which have recently got underway as part of the €7million bypass overhaul.
“I have received a lot of calls from people saying the spotlights are very bright, and that the warning signs are not far enough back, people are coming on the single lane very suddenly,” she said.
She added that the public also seemed to be unaware that delays could be expected on the bypass for up to 12 months. However she was assured that the signs are “100 per cent in accordance with requirements”, and that regular updates are available to the public on council websites and through the media.
“There is a speed limit of 50kph but no one pays attention. The problem is people ignoring the signs, not that the signs are not there. The onus is on the public to slow down when entering the site. It is a workplace, people are there working and are vulnerable,” said director of services Barry Kehoe.
Traffic restrictions in place on the N6 Athlone Relief Road until February 22 consist of a road closure on the eastbound carriageway from junction 12, Tuam Road interchange, to junction 13, Roscommon Road interchange, with a contra flow system on the westbound carriageway adjacent to the works.
The eastbound on-ramp at junction 13 will be closed during this time with a diversion along the old Galway Road. The eastbound off-ramp at junction 12 will be closed with a diversion via the Coosan interchange.
Regular updates will be posted on www.westmeathcoco.ie
