Good news for Condell Road

LimerickCity

It appears as though the speed limit will be increased to 80kph.
Might cut out the undertaking and tail gating. 

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/motoring/282740/speed-limit-increase-proposed-for-major-limerick-road.html

Jofspring

Speed limit increase will be good but seems a big jump from 50 up to 80. 70 would even suffice. When you go up to 80 you will get people hitting 90+ chancing it and that’s when it will become really dangerous.

Insect Overlord

For all practical purposes, it's been 60-65 all along on that stretch. There is no safe spot for a Garda vehicle to stop and observe traffic there unless they set up a full check-point.
The problem with it being 50kmph is often when it comes to learner drivers or people who haven't driven on that road before. You'd frequently get stuck behind someone barely topping 40 but have no option to overtake.

h3000

Insect Overlord wrote: »

For all practical purposes, it's been 60-65 all along on that stretch. There is no safe spot for a Garda vehicle to stop and observe traffic there unless they set up a full check-point.
The problem with it being 50kmph is often when it comes to learner drivers or people who haven't driven on that road before. You'd frequently get stuck behind someone barely topping 40 but have no option to overtake.

I've seen one of the bicycle cops there doing a speed trap before.

Tails142

I love driving at 50 along it and watching the steam come out of people's ears behind me as they sit inches off my bumper. What will I do for fun now?

Berty

I like the comment "ah sure we only put a cycle and bus lane there to get money from the government". We've all been saying for years that it's very rare to see a bus using that lane, now we have in inkling why. They're still using the Ennis road.

Also the suggestion to put the cycle lane on a pavement. With the greatest respect to cyclists, all geared up at the weekends(for example) in groups they will not travel in single file on a pavement cycle lane to protect themselves. They will cycle on the road/bus lane to cycle together as a group.

The Gosafe camera van won't get much pickings if it's 80kmh all the way to Coonagh.

Lastly his comments about people struggling to get down to 50kmh from the M18. Frankly if you can't lower you speed at Shannon from 120kmh to 100kmh then to 80mh by the Radisson and then 60kmh by Coonagh roundabout area and then 50kmh on the Condell road then there's something wrong with you.

LimerickCity

Insect Overlord wrote: »

There is no safe spot for a Garda vehicle to stop and observe traffic there unless they set up a full check-point.
.

I have seen the Garda a few times in the park by the traffic lights clocking people coming in towards to the city.

LimerickCity

Berty wrote: »

I like the comment "ah sure we only put a cycle and bus lane there to get money from the government". We've all been saying for years that it's very rare to see a bus using that lane, now we have in inkling why. They're still using the Ennis road.

Also the suggestion to put the cycle lane on a pavement. With the greatest respect to cyclists, all geared up at the weekends(for example) in groups they will not travel in single file on a pavement cycle lane to protect themselves. They will cycle on the road/bus lane to cycle together as a group.

The Gosafe camera van won't get much pickings if it's 80kmh all the way to Coonagh.

Lastly his comments about people struggling to get down to 50kmh from the M18. Frankly if you can't lower you speed at Shannon from 120kmh to 100kmh then to 80mh by the Radisson and then 60kmh by Coonagh roundabout area and then 50kmh on the Condell road then there's something wrong with you.

Many many people have been caught speeding between the Clonmacken and Coonagh roundabouts. I have spoken to quite a few people who were between 65-70 on this 60 stretch.

Green farmer

In fairness, 50 kph was always too low there. 80kph seems more appropriate.

Cookiemunster

Simply delete the unused bus lane, reinstated the two lanes with hard shoulders and put the bike lanes inside the hard shoulders.

washman3

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Simply delete the unused bus lane, reinstated the two lanes with hard shoulders and put the bike lanes inside the hard shoulders.

That's exactly what's needed. What was the genius thinking to put a bus lane there in the first place.!
The 50km limit was imposed in order to 'encourage' motorists to use the tunnel, or rather frustrate them to use it.
Glad its coming back up to 80km.

zulutango

I can't see it happening unless they full segregrate the cycle lanes on both sides, and that would mean removing the bus lane, which the Dept. of Transport simply won't allow for the sake of speeding up cars for a few km's. It flies in the face of national policy. There'll be a lot of opposition locally also. And then there's the cost of doing the above, which will really kill off the idea.

Cookiemunster

zulutango wrote: »

I can't see it happening unless they full segregrate the cycle lanes on both sides, and that would mean removing the bus lane, which the Dept. of Transport simply won't allow for the sake of speeding up cars for a few km's. It flies in the face of national policy. There'll be a lot of opposition locally also. And then there's the cost of doing the above, which will really kill off the idea.

Will there? On what grounds?

zulutango

Guaranteed. Endangering cyclists by increasing speed limits will draw a lot of opposition. The road also goes through a wildlife sanctuary and a lot of pedestrians use the paths along it. It's effectively a leisure amenity too. There's a whole load of interest groups around that area with political weight who will resist this.

Strettie11

What is strange none of the councillors asked about accidents and deaths on that stretch of road
in last 10 years there have been 3 deaths and 1 serious injury
in the last 5 months there was 1 fatality in June and in August a 3 car collision .

I cannot say if speed was a reason but you would think it would be a question asked

Also "Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets" the guidebook issued by Dept of Transport on road design, recommends where cycle lanes are not segregated max speed should be 60kph

Jose Maria

Anyone notice the high speeds the Bus Eireann buses go at in the bus lane along there

The Specialist

They need to review the cycle lanes and put them away from the roads if at all possible. Why should traffic crawl along that road for the sake of a cycle lane that is rarely ever used?

It's also laughable that a speed limit should be determined by the use of bicycles on a road rather than motor traffic volume - you know, the thing the roads are designed and there for in the first place?

Cookiemunster

Jose Maria wrote: »

Anyone notice the high speeds the Bus Eireann buses go at in the bus lane along there

Yeah the 51 regularly bombs along at 70-80kph in the evenings undertaking all the traffic that's generally also traveling above 50kph.

Vanquished

A new signalised junction beyond Barrington's pier to facilitate housing developments on both sides of the Condell road is due to go to construction next year. With the resultant increase in traffic that these developments will generate, I really can't see the limit being increased to 80.

Insect Overlord

The Specialist wrote: »

Why should traffic crawl along that road for the sake of a cycle lane that is rarely ever used?

I'd have to say you're wrong there. The bus lane isn't used much, but there are always commuter cyclists on that stretch as well as clubs training together in the evenings.

zulutango

It's used a lot by Limerick Triathlon Club and Limerick Cycling Club and I think The Hub Cycling Club also. All are using it perfectly legally and I really can't imagine that they will agree to their environment being made more dangerous, especially in a year where they lost a member to a RTA and in a year where a number of sport cyclists have already been killed on irish roads. The number of road deaths nationally is the highest in five years too and that will influence people's reaction to this proposal.

And people say the bus lane isn't used much, but even if there's a few busses per hour using it that's actually quite a lot of people. Again, I'd be very surprised if Bus Éireann, who are fighting tooth and nail for better infrastructure will roll over. Nor will the Dept. of Transport. I'd imagine that coach companies will get in on the act. Shannon Airport will be unhappy that the bus service between the city and the airport is being impacted too.

The Specialist

zulutango wrote: »

It's used a lot by Limerick Triathlon Club and Limerick Cycling Club and I think The Hub Cycling Club also. All are using it perfectly legally and I really can't imagine that they will agree to their environment being made more dangerous, especially in a year where they lost a member to a RTA and in a year where a number of sport cyclists have already been killed on irish roads. The number of road deaths nationally is the highest in five years too and that will influence people's reaction to this proposal.

It's not "their environment" - it's one of the main road routes in to the city from the Clare side. Traffic flow + progress should take precedence over any leisure activites, and that includes cycling.

martyc5674

The Specialist wrote: »

It's also laughable that a speed limit should be determined by the use of bicycles on a road rather than motor traffic volume - you know, the thing the roads are designed and there for in the first place?

The roads are there for People... however they choose to travel. Personally I'd rather see more bikes and buses than cars entering and polluting our city air... that we ALL have to breathe... the air was unpolluted in the first place.

martyc5674

The Specialist wrote: »

It's not "their environment" - it's one of the main road routes in to the city from the Clare side. Traffic flow + progress should take precedence over any leisure activites, and that includes cycling.

Why?

kilburn

How many of you have actually read the story ?

They said they will segregate the cycling lane from the main traffic !

martyc5674

kilburn wrote: »

How many of you have actually read the story ?

They said they will segregate the cycling lane from the main traffic !

Out for consultation... nothing is decided.

Insect Overlord

Indeed. Many people are in favour of a change (and clearly there are others with different reasons for being against it) but no changes have been confirmed at all yet.

kilburn

Where it will obviously be included

chicorytip

Jofspring wrote:

Speed limit increase will be good but seems a big jump from 50 up to 80. 70 would even suffice. When you go up to 80 you will get people hitting 90+ chancing it and that’s when it will become really dangerous.

An increase in the speed limit on what is essentially a suburban road is unwise. In Dublin City centre and some of it's inner suburbs the maximum speed limit is 30 k.p.h. Why are there still so many drivers unwilling to show just a little bit of patience and restraint on short stretches of road such as this?

marno21

chicorytip wrote: »

An increase in the speed limit on what is essentially a suburban road is unwise. In Dublin City centre and some of it's inner suburbs the maximum speed limit is 30 k.p.h. Why are there still so many drivers unwilling to show just a little bit of patience and restraint on short stretches of road such as this?

Because the Condell Road has few accesses and has very good sight lines for a 50km/h. It's a higher standard of road than most 80km/h roads and a fair few 100km/h roads.

60km/h at least should be put in here. It's a challenge to keep the car below 50km/h on the road at present

Cordell

I can't see it happening. 60 maybe, down to 50 when approaching the traffic lights before the Shannonbridge roundabout.

zulutango

marno21 wrote: »

Because the Condell Road has few accesses and has very good sight lines for a 50km/h. It's a higher standard of road than most 80km/h roads and a fair few 100km/h roads.

60km/h at least should be put in here. It's a challenge to keep the car below 50km/h on the road at present

Two new housing developments are going to access on to it. If it's a challenge to keep the car at 50kph maybe ramps would help?

Insect Overlord

zulutango wrote: »

Two new housing developments are going to access on to it. If it's a challenge to keep the car at 50kph maybe ramps would help?

Have you driven the Condell Road yourself at all?

zulutango

Yes, many times. I know the area very well as a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian.

kilburn

zulutango wrote:

Two new housing developments are going to access on to it. If it's a challenge to keep the car at 50kph maybe ramps would help?

You think we should put ramps on the condell road !!!!!
Sometimes i wonder are you deliberately trying to annoy people with this pro pedestrian/cyclist let's cover all roads in grass and paving agenda.

marno21

zulutango wrote: »

Two new housing developments are going to access on to it. If it's a challenge to keep the car at 50kph maybe ramps would help?

Plenty of development along the Dublin Road and its 60km/h. Very frequent uncontrolled accesses with right turns permitted. The Dublin Road from Annacotty out is 80km/h and doesn't seem to cause problems

Brian Lighthouse

Go for it. 80kmh sounds good.

Better than this one anyway: https://i.imgur.com/TjFuFdN.jpg

Regards cycling, I often cycle to Bunratty or Castleconnell in the hard shoulder and it doesn't bother me if a truck passes at the speed limit while it's in the driving lane. The splash after trucks drive past on a wet day is a bit annoying though.

They should put those remote traffic light indicators about 200m away from the three sets of lights on the road.
Do you know the ones that flash amber when the button on the pedestrian light is pushed, to indicate to drivers that the lights are due to change from green to red?
That'll sort out any safety issues with the proposed speed limit - in my opinion.

mgbgt1978

zulutango wrote: »

Two new housing developments are going to access on to it. If it's a challenge to keep the car at 50kph maybe ramps would help?

RAMPS ????? On a Main Road ? Would you ever get real ?. If you can show me a way to economically provide ramps which allow me to drive over them at 49 km/h without upsetting either myself or my car (in a 50 km/h zone), then put as many as you want down.
But, having to slow down to 10/15 km/h in a 50 km/h zone to negotiate a lump of tar is just ridiculous. It is damaging to both Cars and the Environment.

If they want a road like this to have a 50km/h limit they should simply pay for fixed speed cameras along it's length.

Berty

How about this? I took this picture North of Tuam years ago. Most of these rural L road signs have been replaced with a sign telling you to exercise common sense speed limit but limit is still 80kmh.

frozenfrozen

the current 50km/h limit is great for all the people who dig into their phone as they follow the tail lights of the car in front on the condell road.

panda100

The Specialist wrote: »

It's not "their environment" - it's one of the main road routes in to the city from the Clare side. Traffic flow + progress should take precedence over any leisure activites, and that includes cycling.

While I am not opposed to an increase in the speed limit on the Condell Road I do take issue with this. Since when is cycling solely a 'leisure activity' that impedes traffic flow+progress I commute everyday by bike to work and college. I cycle out the Condell Rd to use Tesco and the gym at Coonagh Cross. I know a lot of people that commute by bike on the Condell Road from Caherdavin into town. The Condell Road is one, if not the only, pleasant and safe road for cyclists in Limerick.

I'm not sure how this segregated bike lane will work? Will they keep the existing one and just put up bollards to protect it? I can't see any problem with that imo. The 50km/h speed limit is a bit ridiculous and just encourages phone watching as frozenfrozen said.

zulutango

kilburn wrote:

You think we should put ramps on the condell road !!!!! Sometimes i wonder are you deliberately trying to annoy people with this pro pedestrian/cyclist let's cover all roads in grass and paving agenda.

Where did I say we should put ramps there?

martyc5674

Before they spend a cent on that road the priority should be the continuation of the cycle lane over the bridge into town. None of the 3 bridges into town have a cycle lane, you feel extremely vulnerable on a bike crossing that bridge.
Whatever your view is on the current V proposed speed limit, at least the road in its current state feels relatively safe as a cyclist, the bridge does not and requires remediation.
Marty.

zulutango

panda100 wrote:

The 50km/h speed limit is a bit ridiculous and just encourages phone watching

So the speed limit should be increased to discourage use of phones while driving?

zulutango

Brian Lighthouse wrote:

I often cycle to Bunratty or Castleconnell in the hard shoulder and it doesn't bother me if a truck passes at the speed limit while it's in the driving lane. The splash after trucks drive past on a wet day is a bit annoying though.

It's only 5 or 6 months since a cyclist was killed at Bunratty. I heard from somebody close to the family that they believe he was in the hard shoulder. Another cyclist was killed in the opposite side of the road a few years previously. He was hit on the slip lane. Be careful. It's a dangerous road.

zulutango

Brian Lighthouse wrote:

I often cycle to Bunratty or Castleconnell in the hard shoulder and it doesn't bother me if a truck passes at the speed limit while it's in the driving lane. The splash after trucks drive past on a wet day is a bit annoying though.

It's only 5 or 6 months since a cyclist was killed at Bunratty. I heard from somebody close to the family that they believe he was in the hard shoulder. Another cyclist was killed in the opposite side of the road a few years previously. He was hit on the slip lane. Be careful. It's a dangerous road.

mrsoundie

With the potential for increasing the speed limit on the road, now is the perfect opportunity to build a specific walking/cycling lane from Limerick to Shannon. Obviously more cycling, of course, this could take in Cratloe, Bunratty and join up with the old road into Newmarket on Fergus. I have cycled from Shannon to Limerick to go to work and the terrifying part was the Condell Road from Coonagh onwards.

chicorytip

marno21 wrote:

60km/h at least should be put in here. It's a challenge to keep the car below 50km/h on the road at present

A challenge?? Just ease off the throttle a little bit. You're still likely to arrive at your intended destination on time and in a relaxed state of mind.

tooManyChoices

As a matter of interest, how much time saved do people reckon there is by travelling at 80?

frozenfrozen

tooManyChoices wrote: »

As a matter of interest, how much time saved do people reckon there is by travelling at 80?

we could all do 5kmh on that road and sure it's only an extra 2 minutes just leave earlier :rolleyes:

panda100

martyc5674 wrote: »

Before they spend a cent on that road the priority should be the continuation of the cycle lane over the bridge into town. None of the 3 bridges into town have a cycle lane, you feel extremely vulnerable on a bike crossing that bridge.
Whatever your view is on the current V proposed speed limit, at least the road in its current state feels relatively safe as a cyclist, the bridge does not and requires remediation.
Marty.

100% agree Marty. There desperately needs to be a cycle lane on Shannon Bridge in particular. Lots of children and families cycling on the pavements to get to school and lots of commuters using that bridge also. There really is no space for cyclists at all and two lanes for cars. A cycle lane could easily put on that bridge imo.

I cycle over Sarsfield Bridge numerous times a day and it's a similar situation. The very bumpy road surface dips inbetween the pavement and road making it even more difficult to cycle. I have had many a wobble too close to cars for comfort on that bridge, so much that I usually cycle down the middle of the road instead and many other cyclists do this too. The pavements on that bridge, especially where the barriers are up close to the boat houses are also very narrow. I often see people walking on the roads to overtake people around these barriers.

Not sure what the option is here unless to make that bridge one way system for cars and add wider pavements and cycle lane, or add some type of suspensions to either side of the bridge but they may take away from how pretty the bridge is