Independent Councillors Kevin Callan and Declan Power, have put a joint motion to Louth County Council asking them to consider an upgrade of the junction of Mell, The Old Slane Road and the Cement Road with a particular focus on safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
The two councillors acknowledged recent works carried out at the junction recently such as road markings and speed ramps, but they are asking for a full review of the junction, considering all types of road users on what is a busy loop walk and cycleway, factoring into Active Travel initiatives.
Cllr. Power welcomed the measures the Active Travel team proposed, saying, “We cannot underestimate the importance of positive, safe traffic flow, and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.”
Cllr. Callan agreed, saying: “The junction at Cement Road, Upper-Mell and Old Slane Road needed an urgent assessment, and the proposed measures didn’t address the junction as a blackspot for road users.”
“The recent road markings are welcome but don’t solve road safety problems. Residents in the area have all questioned why ramps that needed repairing didn’t get the full ramp across the road that were reduced to road cushions. “These were helping to reduce speed, but the new ramps allow cars to weave around them. Residents have noticed an increased rate of speed and more difficulty crossing from the Cement Road to Old Slane Road and vice versa,” Cllr. Callan said.
“The reply from the director of services made no provision for the Old Slane Road that would benefit enormously from similar measures as noted,” said Cllr. Power.
“Investment for improved footpaths and cycle lanes can link towards Townley Hall, the Obelisk Bridge, Oldbridge and the ramparts, thus creating better connectivity and safer routes for leisure activities and getting to work or school.
“There are no footpaths from Tullybrook to Boyne Meadows on Old Slane Road. The lower end of this road is in significant need of improved lighting infrastructure. The area just isn’t safe for walking or cycling.
“As we know, there has been a significant increase in housing developments in this area, with many ready for occupancy. This will increase the number of residents in the area, increase traffic congestion, and provide no alternative safe travel options for pedestrians or cyclists,” Said Cllr. Power
Responding to the motion, Director of Services David Jones said, “The Active Travel team is currently designing Active Travel infrastructure for the R168 (Collon Road), namely Waterunder Rd at Mell, Drogheda.
“The proposed Active Travel Infrastructure will include the provision of new footpaths and segregated cycle paths on both sides of the road over a distance of Circa 2.25km from the Cement Road to the Hill of Rath Roundabout., and the R166 Northern Cross Route from the Hill of Rath roundabout to the Rosehall roundabout.
“The scheme will include the provision of a new 50 km/hr speed limit, street lighting, pedestrian crossing points and associated road signage and markings. The proposed infrastructure is dependent on NTA approvals, consent process and future funding.”
