M3 Junction 5 - Those roundabouts

Colm R

I've noticed a few problems with these roundabouts.

In the evenings, the vast majority of traffic is using the Northbound exit, going all the way around the large roundabout, to the last exit, then entering the small roundabout, and taking the first exit going north on the R147 (old N3) - Like this

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=M3&daddr=R147&hl=en&sll=53.435758,-6.467535&sspn=0.008334,0.026157&geocode=FTpSLwMdqFOd_w%3BFSFpLwMdG1Gd_w&mra=me&mrsp=1,0&sz=16&t=m&z=16


The main problem is a lot of drivers do this entering the first roundabout on the left lane, and going all the way round. If traffic is heavy, then many who enter the roundabout on the right lane, find it difficult to merge out to left lane. Anyone encountering this problem?

In lighter traffic, its OK as the roundabout is generally big enough to allow a merge between the second and third exit of the roundabout. I think though the main reason people enter the roundabout on the left lane, is because they intend to take the first exit on the second roundabout. So I think some signs are redrawing the lines is necessary.


The second problem I have is approaching the smaller roundabout from Bracetown like this:

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=R147&daddr=R147&hl=en&sll=53.432242,-6.461248&sspn=0.01667,0.052314&geocode=FWJaLwMdH1md_w%3BFSFpLwMdG1Gd_w&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=15&t=m&z=15

The rules say for left or straight on, use the left lane unless otherwise signed. I think this roundabout needs to be otherwise signed, as you have most people correctly entering the roundabout on the left lane intending to go straight on, but some use the right lane to go straight on, and coupled with speeding drivers coming off the big roundabout, accidents are going to happen.

I've taken to not getting bothered about these things anymore, as its a daily occurrence now. But some drivers are getting very irate, and those in the wrong tend to act as if they are not wrong.

Anyone think this is a big problem?

Who could you contact, the NRA, the M3 people or Meath Co. Council?

highdef

I know that junction well. The M4 westbound exit at junction 8 is a similar one except to make matters worse, there is also a 4th exit about 9/10 the full way round yet even here, some drivers stay in the left lane all the way. Doing it for the 3rd exit is bad enough!