Aontú representative Michael O’Dowd has expressed his concern over the current public consultation proposals on cycle Lanes stretching from the Railway Station to the Bridge of Peace. He thinks that if they go ahead as planned it will lead to gridlock with people going elsewhere for shopping etc.
O’Dowd is particularly concerned about the closure of the slip road at John Street to through traffic and its potential to wreak havoc on traffic flow and create severe congestion within the town.
O’Dowd welcomes the introduction of cycle lanes but he says there needs to be an appreciation that the current proposal may not only induce gridlock within the town but could also elongate the journey time for through traffic during peak hours by up to an additional half an hour.
One particularly contentious aspect of the plan which O’Dowd strongly criticizes is the proposed closure of the John Street slip road, to through traffic.
In his formal submission to the ongoing consultation, O’Dowd reiterates his support for the implementation of cycle lanes but underscores the critical need to prevent worsening the already chronic traffic congestion experienced during peak hours in the town. To this end, he offers the following insights:
Closure of the John Street slip road is a potential catalyst for gridlock, especially at St Mary’s Bridge, as all left-turning traffic would be forced to share the road with through traffic heading up the Dublin Road.
While the introduction of upgraded traffic lights is commendable, they should be installed prior to the implementation of cycle lanes. Additionally, the inclusion of pedestrian lights is a positive development.
The timing of the project is of paramount importance. It should be coordinated with the reopening of Oldbridge and the completion of the Northern Cross Route.
O’Dowd argues that these actions would significantly reduce traffic congestion, making the cycling experience more pleasant, especially if tolls on the motorway were to be removed.
He also emphasizes the need for comprehensive baseline traffic statistics to be made available during the consultation process. He also recommends conducting an exercise before progressing to the planning phase to determine the potential impact on car journey durations, both from north to south and south to north within the town.
“It is imperative for the public to be aware that the online consultation period will conclude on Friday, October 20th” he said.
O’Dowd has repeated his call for the public to actively engage in the consultation process and carefully consider the implications of the proposed cycle lanes on the town’s traffic situation.
You can make your opinions known here: https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/consultation/drogheda-active-travel-phase-2
