Carlow Town Council is reviewing plans for a roundabout at the junction of the Pollerton Road and the Hacketstown Road in an effort to properly accommodate pedestrian traffic.
In response to questions from councillors, town engineer Kieran Cullinane told members the part eight process on the roundabout was completed, but added the council were now considering putting traffic lights at the junction.
“A lot of public concern is in relation to the pedestrian movements at that junction,” he said.
“The whole junction is currently being reviewed and traffic lights are now being considered. It would be cheaper and address member’s concerns about speed through the area.”
The original proposal had been for a roundabout and pedestrian crossings at the junction at a cost of €150,000 to the council as part of the universal access programme.
Mr Cullinane also said he expected lights at the new crossing at St Lazerian’s on the Dublin Road to be in operation soon. He said the council were waiting on the ESB connection.
The council has ploughed approximately €2 million into the universal access programme providing new junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, handrails, automatic doors and upgrading footpaths and public lighting.
Mr Cullinane’s report on the programme detailed that a further €250,000 would be invested in signposts for regional roads in Carlow town and environs in 2008. That would be in addition to €150,000 spent in 2007 and a further €50,000 in 2006.
The report also noted that the new Carlow Bypass had reduced traffic levels on the arterial routes by up to 40 per cent, presenting new opportunities to modify existing traffic lights to enhance pedestrian facilities.
