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Bodkin / Headford Road roundabout replacement [Lights are on!]

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Comments

  • #202
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    gordongekko wrote: »
    Am I the only person who finds the journey through these light frustrating

    ....
    Anyways rant over

    No and it's no rant. The council have taken the decision to follow the Dublin model of preventing where possible and otherwise consolidating right turns - part of the logic they used to justify using lights - in an effort to reduce congestion.

    If you want to make the journey less painful, turn right at the trappers and go along the monivea rd. It's surprisingly easy to turn right at the new junction layout (though why they re-instated that turn when it goes against their stated strategy is beyond me).

    I noticed this morning that there were about a half dozen cars "queue skipping" to get to the left filter lane on at Ballybane, also this is a common complaint going into Parkmore. The council have previously claimed an extra 500 vehicles per hour (8/min) going through the junction, but if my observations are holding true there is a majority if not all all queue skippers.

    I guess I'll just have to check it out on a day off sometime.


  • #203
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    This is a gentle reminder that this thread is about the magic roundabout only and doesn't deal with other parts of Galway traffic.


  • #204
    Iwannahurl
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    I sincerely hope the redesign of the Bodkin junction does not prompt motorists to drive even faster than they do now over the QB in order to "make the lights".

    My understanding is that it'll be a big complex junction, so slower is undoubtedly better.


  • #205
    KevR
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,110 ✭✭✭KevR


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    I sincerely hope the redesign of the Bodkin junction does not prompt motorists to drive even faster than they do now over the QB in order to "make the lights".

    My understanding is that it'll be a big complex junction, so slower is undoubtedly better.

    It will be less complex than it is now. They are closing the direct Shopping Centre access to/from the roundabout meaning it will become a 4-armed junction (as opposed to the current 5). At present, the junction is partially signalised; it will become fully signalised.

    It will become more of a high powered junction than it is now. They are adding some additional lanes. I would imagine that traffic will move through the junction at a higher speed than with the current roundabout. This won't make it any more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists - it's fully signalised meaning massive improvements in safety for pedestrians and there will be improved facilities for cyclists.


  • #206
    thisNthat
    Registered Users Posts: 298 ✭✭thisNthat


    joushikijin wrote: »
    Garda needs to be vigilant on people ignoring stop signs or driving over red traffic light. I am photographing every day people who either drive over a red light, cross a stop sign or cause otherwise dangerous situations like being on the phone or not buckled up. Within the 20-30 minutes I spend per day in my car to and from University I document an average of 3-4 offences per day.

    With the way the Garda are being bent over by the Government at the moment I'm afraid being vigilant on people ignoring stop signs is the last thing they give a F**K about.
    Should they? Yes
    Will they? No

    And you can take pictures all ya want it won't make one blind bit of difference, They just don't want to know, That would be classed as unnecessary hassle and paperwork for the Garda and would probably result in nothing more that a slap on the wrist and a "don't do it again".

    You've the right idea but you should know at this stage that some innocent person has to get killed on the road at that junction before any serious action is taken, Unfortunately.


  • #207
    KevR
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,110 ✭✭✭KevR


    emptybladder wrote: »
    Unfortunately, there may be liability issues if there was a collision

    Would the City Council be liable if an accident occurred now given that the road markings are completely visible?


  • #208
    Private Joker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 635 ✭✭✭Private Joker


    KevR wrote: »
    Would the City Council be liable if an accident occurred now given that the road markings are completely visible?

    They can be if the problem was highlighted to them. and it can be proved that the collision was because of the lining.


  • #209
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    Finally going ahead.
    Photo courtesy of huggs2 https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/16678/255522.JPG


  • #210
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Work on Bodkin roundabout set for completion in November


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  • #211
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    biko wrote: »
    Work on Bodkin roundabout set for completion in November
    Which year? :p


  • #212
    El_Dangeroso
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 5,620 ✭✭✭El_Dangeroso


    As a pedestrian and a budding motorist, all I can think is DIE ROUNDABOUT DIE!!!:mad:


  • #213
    desaparecidos
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,332 ✭✭✭desaparecidos


    snubbleste wrote: »
    Which year? :p

    Even if it's this year November has to be a joke?


  • #214
    aw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭aw


    biko wrote: »
    Work on Bodkin roundabout set for completion in November

    I hope this is a joke, Biko!

    Six months for removal!!??!??!? :eek:


  • #215
    bonzodog2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,253 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    Popcorn anyone ?


  • #216
    Storm 10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,970 ✭✭✭Storm 10


    Its going to be chaos, the races should be fun this year


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  • #217
    aw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭aw


    Biko was right. Damn.

    http://www.connachttribune.ie/index.php/news-2/item/510-removal-of-shopping-centre-roundabout-starts-next-month
    Construction work on converting a fourth city roundabout to a signalised junction will commence in June, Galway City Council has confirmed.



    The Galway Transportation Unit has confirmed that the tenders for the job of converting Bodkin Roundabout (at the Galway Shopping Centre) to a traffic lights junction are all in.

    The successful contractor will be announced in the coming weeks and workers are expected ‘on the ground’ in June.

    Initially, workers will be involved in preliminary works ‘around’ the roundabout, which is not expected to cause much disruption.

    The major part of the work, removing the actual roundabout, will commence in mid-August and, given that it is the busiest junction in the city, motorists can expect traffic chaos for several weeks in late August and September, when the schools return.

    The contract will stipulate, however, that the conversion must be completed by the end of November or the first week of December at the latest, according to Fianna Fáil City Councillor Mike Crowe.

    Cllr Crowe, who has supported the controversial M6 Multi-Modal Corridor Improvement Scheme since it was conceived a few years back, said the removal of Bodkin roundabout will bring even more improvements to motorists once it is complete.

    “This is the fourth roundabout to be removed, and in my opinion it is the one that will have the most positive difference to the traffic congestion. The other three roundabouts that were removed at Briarhill, Ballybane and the Tuam Road have all resulted in improvements in congestion.

    “Anecdotally you can see it but also there are figures at City Hall that show the improvements in waiting times at the junctions and that’s with more throughput of traffic because people are not rat-running as much through estates now that the new junctions are in place.

    “The backlogs are just not there anymore, and certainly not like what they used to be when the roundabouts are there. I think the Bodkin roundabout, while it will be difficult for a period during the construction stage, will bring huge improvements for people west of the city in the morning and evening,” said Cllr Crowe.


  • #218
    gordongekko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,301 ✭✭✭gordongekko


    Anyone know who got the contract? If its Coffey I think I will cry


  • #219
    gordongekko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,301 ✭✭✭gordongekko


    Anecdotally you can see it but also there are figures at City Hall that show the improvements in waiting times at the junctions and that’s with more throughput of traffic because people are not rat-running as much through estates now that the new junctions are in place.

    “The backlogs are just not there anymore, and certainly not like what they used to be when the roundabouts are there. I think the Bodkin roundabout, while it will be difficult for a period during the construction stage, will bring huge improvements for people west of city in the morning and evening,” said Cllr Crowe.



    Love that part. No facts no figures to back up the claim. is it the lights that have reduced the backlog (although i have not noticed a reduction in the backlog) or the recession?


  • #220
    Mrs OBumble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,086 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    gordongekko wrote: »
    Anyone know who got the contract? If its Coffey I think I will cry

    Thre were people from Maddens doing work there at 8:30am on saturday. No idea if it's the same job though


  • #221
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    gordongekko wrote: »
    Anyone know who got the contract? If its Coffey I think I will cry
    Mrs OBumble wrote: »
    Thre were people from Maddens doing work there at 8:30am on saturday. No idea if it's the same job though

    Madden are doing site preparation, the tender itself hasn't been awarded.


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  • #222
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    Would that be Maddens Florists?
    Maybe they are just further beautifying the landmark..


  • #223
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    snubbleste wrote: »
    Would that be Maddens Florists?
    Maybe they are just further beautifying the landmark..

    Same company that did the Briarhill downgrade.


  • #224
    Gambas
    Registered Users Posts: 846 ✭✭✭Gambas


    And so it begins....


  • #225
    Gambas
    Registered Users Posts: 846 ✭✭✭Gambas


    gordongekko wrote: »
    Love that part. No facts no figures to back up the claim. is it the lights that have reduced the backlog (although i have not noticed a reduction in the backlog) or the recession?

    I don't think the figures to support the recession theory are there anyway.


  • #226
    gordongekko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,301 ✭✭✭gordongekko


    Gambas wrote: »
    I don't think the figures to support the recession theory are there anyway.

    what I meant by that is is there a reduction in volumes since the downturn rather than an improvement due to the lights


  • #227
    _Puma_
    Registered Users Posts: 983 ✭✭✭_Puma_


    Heard that Maddens will be doing the roundabout. Same crowd that did Moneenageisha roundabout.


  • #228
    Cleahaigh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 109 ✭✭Cleahaigh


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Because it's a crap, confusing roundabout?

    Are you talking about the lane that suddently sprouts from the centre island?

    Is that standardised engineering practice, or an Irish solution to an Irish problem?

    I've seen foreign visitors struggling to navigate the road markings and signals on the Bodkin Roundabout (one lot shouted apologetically to me, "we're German!") so it's clearly not an intuitive design.

    Irish motorists find Irish roundabouts generally tricky to navigate, and the Bodkin is one of the worst. Imagine how cyclists, pedestrians, disabled people and senior citizens must feel.

    It's a spiral roundabout marking and comes from the UK DMRB originally, so you can blame them this time. They're more common on the very large roundabouts you get on some of the motorways. Here's the Filton Roundabout in Bristol, looks familiar doesn't it?

    filton%20rb.JPG.opt898x467o0,0s898x467.JPG

    The biggest problem with the 'Shopping Centre' roundabout is that it evolved over time from a standard roundabout, then the shopping centre got an entrance, then they partially signalised it and threw in the spiral markings, then added a slip road and so forth - it's a mish mash of bits and bobs of partial solutions cobbled together over time.

    I cycle though it from time to time, I always stand tall on the pedals and make eye contact with and drivers coming towards me. I wouldn't go through it if there were any HCVs about mind you.


  • #229
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    Die, roundabout, die!

    It's grand when you know how to use it, but so so many people don't. And unfortunately people who do have to share it with people who don't.

    Some of the kerbing has been removed now and it seems to have slowed the traffic on it a bit. Still wild lane changing though by people who are unaware that cars come with mirrors.


  • #230
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    Die, roundabout, die!

    Well you'll like the fact that the council haven't learned that the signs at the other junctions aren't good and are going with the same style signs with no prior lane guidance.


  • #231
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    antoobrien wrote: »
    Well you'll like the fact that the council haven't learned that the signs at the other junctions aren't good and are going with the same style signs with no prior lane guidance.

    What does that have to do with what I posted?

    Never had an issue with the new junctions tbh. Been using them from day 1.


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  • #232
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    What does that have to do with what I posted?

    Never had an issue with the new junctions tbh. Been using them from day 1.

    The right turns at Briarhill & Ballybane have caused a few problems, and that's just for starters (before we get onto lane lengths, no simulation of light sequences etc).


  • #233
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    So nothing to do with what I posted then. Jolly good. Carry on. :pac:;)


  • #234
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    So nothing to do with what I posted then. Jolly good. Carry on. :pac:;)

    If you can't see the link between a RAB that people claim is badly signposted & laid out etc and light controlled junctions that are badly signed .....


  • #235
    Mrs OBumble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,086 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    Die, roundabout, die!

    It's grand when you know how to use it, but so so many people don't. And unfortunately people who do have to share it with people who don't.

    Some of the kerbing has been removed now and it seems to have slowed the traffic on it a bit. Still wild lane changing though by people who are unaware that cars come with mirrors.

    Indeed. I have two friends who drive but don't know Galway, so i have to give them directions. After an exciting car trip, i now always take them a different way around.


  • #236
    El_Dangeroso
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 5,620 ✭✭✭El_Dangeroso


    Mrs OBumble wrote: »
    Indeed. I have two friends who drive but don't know Galway, so i have to give them directions. After an exciting car trip, i now always take them a different way around.

    I have family members who won't visit me because they have to drive through that roundabout. :pac:


  • #237
    gordongekko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,301 ✭✭✭gordongekko


    El_Dangeroso wrote: »
    I have family members who won't visit me because they have to drive through that roundabout. :pac:

    I use it as an excuse not to visit people


  • #238
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Noticed yesterday around half six that the three lanes from the river side had been merged into one with cones and this caused quite a bit of slowness in traffic.
    Just good to know in case you need to travel past it in the evenings.


  • #239
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    biko wrote: »
    Noticed yesterday around half six that the three lanes from the river side had been merged into one with cones and this caused quite a bit of slowness in traffic.
    Just good to know in case you need to travel past it in the evenings.

    I think that may have been just for last night, they were to do some works that required all entrances to be reduced to one lane from about 7pm on.

    It's worth listening to GBFM when John Richards is giving traffic updates as he gets the announcements for these, not sure if he's on between 4 pm & 5pm but he's definitely on between 5pm & 6pm.


  • #240
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    biko wrote: »
    Noticed yesterday around half six that the three lanes from the river side had been merged into one with cones and this caused quite a bit of slowness in traffic.
    Just good to know in case you need to travel past it in the evenings.

    This will happen again tonight at all junctions, the lights will be off from 7pm-7am to facilitate the preparatory works. It'll probably last for the week.


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  • #241
    joushikijin
    Registered Users Posts: 22 ✭joushikijin


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Because it's a crap, confusing roundabout?

    Are you talking about the lane that suddently sprouts from the centre island?

    Is that standardised engineering practice, or an Irish solution to an Irish problem?

    I've seen foreign visitors struggling to navigate the road markings and signals on the Bodkin Roundabout (one lot shouted apologetically to me, "we're German!") so it's clearly not an intuitive design.

    Irish motorists find Irish roundabouts generally tricky to navigate, and the Bodkin is one of the worst. Imagine how cyclists, pedestrians, disabled people and senior citizens must feel.

    I am German and I can second that this roundabout is counterintuitive! Who came up with the idea to install traffic lights into a roundabout. It is either an intersection (usually aided by traffic lights) or a roundabout. I believe I mentioned it before but it does not help that they are no "STOP" signs on Irish roundabouts, or that majority of Irish citizens consider a red light merely a suggestion rather than rule! ;)


  • #242
    MadYaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,279 ✭✭✭✭MadYaker


    I'm going to miss it, nothing like a bit of white knuckle fear to add some excitement to my commute.


  • #243
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    MadYaker wrote: »
    I'm going to miss it, nothing like a bit of white knuckle fear to add some excitement to my commute.

    You could take a detour and play reverse-Frogger on Williamsgate and Eglington Street. :D


  • #244
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    Seven tenders were put in for the €1.7m contract to replace the junction. It was won by John Madden & Sons.
    Due for completion by late November


  • #245
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    For old times sake last night I came onto it on the bicycle from the bridge side - did a u-turn and went back out the bridge


  • #246
    khards
    Registered Users Posts: 214 ✭✭khards


    galwaycyclist wrote: »
    For old times sake last night I came onto it on the bicycle from the bridge side - did a u-turn and went back out the bridge

    Sounds like a dangerous sport! It only take a blind and incompetent Nissan Micra driver (you know the ones) to come around there and knock you off.:rolleyes:


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  • #247
    antoobrien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,106 ✭✭✭antoobrien


    khards wrote: »
    Sounds like a dangerous sport! It only take a blind and incompetent Nissan Micra driver (you know the ones) to come around there and knock you off.:rolleyes:

    10 years of cycling around it and I never even had a near miss.


  • #248
    dilallio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,728 ✭✭✭dilallio


    Just looking at the map of the new junction.

    A few observations:

    1. Allowing motorists to exit the Sean Mulvoy Retail Park and turn right towards Cemetary Cross (across 4 lanes) sounds potentially quite dangerous. A lot of motorists find it challenging exiting there at the present - pulling out in front of oncoming traffic. It doesn't help when few cars actually observe the 50 kph limit on Sean Mulvoy Rd, particularly in the overtaking lane.

    2. Changing the entrance to the Retail Park (Omniplex) to an entrance / exit is a good idea, but without traffic lights, cars trying to exit and turn right towards town will be blocked by cars coming from the new junction which are entering the Retail Park.

    3. Surprised at the location of the exit/entrance from the shopping centre (Tesco) onto Sean Mulvoy Rd. That particular spot near Hibs pitch has always been a swamp. They'll find it very difficult to build anything there and and it wouldn't be surprising if the location of this exit is moved closer to the new junction.


  • #249
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    dilallio wrote: »
    Just looking at the map of the new junction.

    3. Surprised at the location of the exit/entrance from the shopping centre (Tesco) onto Sean Mulvoy Rd. That particular spot near Hibs pitch has always been a swamp. They'll find it very difficult to build anything there and and it wouldn't be surprising if the location of this exit is moved closer to the new junction.

    This exit is frankly dangerous and needs to be redesigned. If you look at the path taken by the straight on cyclists - yellow arrow - they are exposed to weaving traffic crossing them from both the left and the right - blue arrows.

    259813.jpg

    The left slip needs to be shortened considerably or removed. Likewise the sweeping curve into the shopping centre is dangerous and needs to be tightened up into a proper 90 degree turn with a tight corner. Other wise omit this entrance altogether.


  • #250
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    http://www.galwaycity.ie/N6/130212_01.pdf
    The 'right turn pocket' for cyclists is directly in front of the straight ahead lane for motorists :eek:


  • #251
    what_traffic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,007 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    snubbleste wrote: »
    http://www.galwaycity.ie/N6/130212_01.pdf
    The 'right turn pocket' for cyclists is directly in front of the straight ahead lane for motorists :eek:

    Sequencing of the lights will be important to see if the hook turn boxes will actually be useable.

    The section of the Headford road (City side) looks very dangerous both inbound/outbound for cyclists


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