R132 Connectivity Project

Pete_Cavan

Consultation is open (until 15th of Dec) for public consultation. This is a BusConnects style project for the R132 north of where the BusConnects project is due to end (I have no idea why it is not just under BusConnects but anyway). Details here;

https://consult.fingal.ie/en/consultation/r132-connectivity-project-non-statutory-consultation

The intention is to remove three roundabouts to create more cycle friendly junctions. Each side of the road would have a footpath, cycle lane, bus lane and one general traffic lane replacing the existing two general traffic lanes and bus lane but nothing for those on foot or bike.

I can't see this actually happening due to public opposition and political interference on a grand scale at the thought of removing a traffic lane on an already congested road, many of the submissions so far support this.

What other options do people here think might work? Could the grass median could be removed and space used to implement the same layout but maintaining two general traffic lanes in each direction? Could BRT style with bus lanes in the middle lanes running through roundabouts with bus stops incorporated work?

Pete_Cavan

One of the issues with this proposed scheme is that it doesn't address the bus stops on the R132. The stops are not very accessible, generally located away from the junctions which means bus services are not attractive for local journeys. Ideally the stops would be incorporated into the junctions which means they are close to potential destinations (Pavilions, Airside, etc.) and would be beside road crossings.

Assuming the space is available at the existing roundabout, would something like this work with bus stops included? Buses and cyclists could go round the outside along with priority signaling;



Alternatively, the R132 driving lanes (including bus lanes) could run straight through where the roundabouts are but the roundabout lanes retained for traffic entering/exiting the perpendicular roads. Bus stops could be provided within the remaining former roundabout area but it would require crossing the road to get to either side.