The Completion of the M6 inter urban route in 2010 has delivered greatly improved access for Galway City. In contrast the city still experiences high levels of congestion. In addition to issues of congestion and poor journey times, it is apparent that there is a need to review the function of the N6 corridors to ensure that it fulfils the role of providing national road access but also that it responds to the various local needs affecting the route.
In response, Galway Transportation Unit, Galway City Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA) are working to deliver the Bothar na dTreabh (N6) Multi-Modal Corridor Improvement Scheme. The scheme has been established to take account not just of car users, but also the needs of public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians. Key objectives of the programme are as follows:
- Ensure the national road network within Galway protects and supports growth of the regional economy;
- Reduce the environmental impact of transport in Galway City;
- Facilitate and encourage the use of sustainable travel modes;
- Ensure future development of the N6 is integrated with a shared vision for future development of the public transport network;
- Promote integration of walking and cycling links;
- To ensure future development of the N6 is integrated with proposals for upgrading the local and regional road network;
- Improve road safety for all road users on the N6 links and junctions within Galway City;
- Improve access to Galway’s vital social infrastructure such as schools, third level institutions, hospitals and large employment areas.
The Galway City Scheme is being used as a pilot for the other major urban centres. The National Roads Authority have designated €4m in funding for 2011 to Galway City Council for the scheme, specifically to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The NRA funding is part of their national scheme to upgrade facilities for vulnerable road users on national roads in urban areas. The impact of this congestion has been highlighted in a survey of almost 600 residents in the area carried out by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2009.
- Although 24% of Galway City’s residents live less than 2km from their workplace, 64% of residence travel to work each day by car.
- The N6 corridor is heavily car dominated and carries a Daily Traffic Flow of 50,000 vehicles.
- Facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the corridor are minimal resulting in hazardous conditions for these vulnerable road users.
- There is currently no public transport priority on the N6, this means public transport offers a poor alternative to driving.
- Traffic movement on the N6 is through large and busy roundabouts, this means there is very little control over traffic movements and little potential to help alleviate congestion in the City.
Work is currently under way to prepare designs for upgrades to the junctions. These are being costed and schemes are being prioritised in accordance with funding availability for 2011. The works will consist of upgrading the existing roundabouts to signalised junctions that will incorporate facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Improvements to facilitate future public transport upgrades will also be made. The first phase of the proposed improvements is being presented now as part of the statutory Part 8 process. Additional proposals will be presented through the Part 8 process in the coming months. The first phase will consist of upgrading the Lynch Roundabout at Briarhill. Commenting on the scheme, Jim Molloy of Galway Transportation Unit stated:
"The scheme is a very important in reducing congestion in Galway and making the City more accessible to pedestrians and cyclist. It will also benefit the city by Improving road safety for all road users on the N6 corridor, particularly pedestrians and cyclists,as well as reduced Public Transport journey times. We will also plan the works to avoid major events in Galway such as the Galway Races"========================================================Public Notice: Bothar na dTreabh (N6) Multi-Modal Corridor Improvement Scheme Lynch Roundabout Upgrade (N6/R339 Junction)
21 March 2011
Planning And Development Act 2000-2010
Galway City Council HEREBY GIVES NOTICE, under Part 8 (Article 81) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2010 as amended, of its intention to replace the Lynch Roundabout with a Signalised Junction.
The proposed upgrade will consist of the removal of the existing roundabout and replacing it with a signalised junction, with pedestrian crossings on each arm, cycling facilities on both of the R339 arms, as well as all ancillary signage, signals and lighting.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection at the offices of the Planning Section, City Hall, College Road, Galway, between the hours of
9a.m. and 4p.m., Monday to Friday, from Monday, 21st of March to Tuesday 3rd May, 2011.
Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed development dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development is situated may be made in writing to the Senior Planner, Planning Department, Galway City Coucil, City Hall, College Road, Galway
not later than Tuesday, 17th May 2011.
Signed:
Ciarán Hayes,
Director of Services,
Transportation, Infrastructure Recreation and Amenity.