Traffic calming measures are set to be in place on the Baylough Road by the end of 2009, councillors at last week’s Athlone area meeting were informed.
The proposed works include the provision of pelican crossings, speed tables, and table top ramps in order to slow traffic in the area. Improvements to footpaths are also included in the preliminary plan.
Councillors united in welcoming the scheme, a detailed design for which is to be prepared early in the new year.
Cllr Mark Cooney welcomed the proposals, saying the cost should not be huge for the works, but expressed concern about the junction between the Baylough Road and the Roscommon Road, which he said was particularly problematic since the closure of the Tuam Road.
“I wonder whether there is a proposal in the plan to improve or upgrade this junction,” he asked.
Responding to questions about this junction, director of services Barry Kehoe said although there is unlikely to be a roundabout at this location, there was a possibility of improved signals or controls. “A detailed design will be carried out on this junction,” he said.
“We are a lot of time talking about this, and the quicker it can happen the better,” said Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. “Something needs to be done with the junction with the Roscommon Road. There are signs facing Athlone telling people go to Monksland, and the island in the road is tilted. There should be nothing stopping us putting lines on the road telling people where the turns are for Athlone and Monksland. It is not a huge job, and we should be able to enhance the area by a few small measures.”
Cllr John Dolan welcomed the proposed improvements, saying the works were “long overdue, and should improve the safety of the Baylough road”. “The installation of new speed tables and pelican crossings should help control the speed of the traffic, and leave it a lot safer for pedestrians to cross the road. Pedestrian safety should also be enhanced by the improvements proposed to the footpaths in the area along with new kerb lines,” he said.
Town engineer Alan Kelly is to prepare a detailed costing for the works for the Baylough Road, which it is expected will be funded as much as possible from the council’s roads budget and augmented by development levies.
