Louth County Council has unveiled plans costing a total of €6 million to address the lack of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in and around Drogheda.
Their plans come under the aegis of the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel programme and include, amongst other things, footpaths, on and off road cycling routes, pedestrian and cycle friendly junctions and roundabouts.
“The Council’s objective is to build active travel into everyday life as part of normal daily routines, and it is providing infrastructure and initiatives designed to promote active travel” a Council spokesperson said.
“The aim of the Active Travel funding is to support the development of high-quality urban cycling and walking infrastructure and investment is specifically targeted at towns and villages.”
Louth County Council submitted a number of proposals for funding under the Active Travel scheme and have received approval for €6m of which €1.2m has already been spent.
St. Dominics Bridge
€2.5m has been approved for the restoration of St. Dominics Bridge making it by far the most expensive scheme the council has received funding for. The bridge is approximately 55 meters long and 8.5 meters wide. The work will include strengthening, painting, drainage, new surfacing and landscaping, segregated cycle facilities and new public lighting. It is anticipated that the bridge it will re-open by May 2022.
Bridge of Peace to the Train Station
It is proposed to build cycle lanes from the Bridge of Peace crossing the River Boyne, running southwards along the Dublin Rd, the R132, and terminating at the train station. A cycle lanes from the Viaduct on the Marsh Road to Mary Street is also being considered.
It is also proposed to upgrade the junctions at Rathmullen Road, The Bull Ring, Shop Street and Mary Street and other minor junctions to facilitate better Pedestrian, Cyclist and public transport movements.
Ballymakenny Road
A combined cycleway c.700m in length from the Ballymakenny School to new housing development located to the north of the scheme. The proposed combined cycle lane and footpath forms part of the overall Port Access Northern Cross Route Scheme (PANCR) for the realignments of the Ballymakenny rd. The proposed works under this project will just involve the installation of the cycle lane and footpath on the eastern boundary of the road to facilitate a new residential development on the outskirts of Drogheda.
Drogheda Active Travel Bundle
In order to achieve value for money the Council has bundled a number of projects into what’s known as the Drogheda Active Travel bundle which will include cycle lanes, footpaths, and public lighting at junctions and crossing points at five different locations in Drogheda.
Termonfeckin Road
Cycle lane and footpath of 880m linking the new housing development of Beaulieu Village and the residential development of Aston Village westwards to the existing cycle lanes and footpath at St. Josephs School and eastwards towards the GAA Club and Newtown Cemetery.
This combined cycle lane and footpath will form part of the Port Access Northern Cross Route Scheme (PANCR) infrastructure project which includes for the realignments and provision of footpaths and cycle lanes on the R166 Termonfeckin Rd.
R168 Collon Rd, Hill of Rath RAB and Rosehall RAB
2.25km of footpaths and cycle lanes. With the M1 Retail Park located in the middle of the proposed route attracts a large number of people to this area. The section of the R166 Northern Cross route will form part of the proposed PANCR of which cycle lanes and footpaths are integral to the design, and the design of this project should align with the proposed PANCR. And will tie in with next project which is North Road.
North Road
Cycle lane and footpath c2.1km on North Road from Rosehall roundabout to Patrick Street which will tie in with the pathway from Bridge of Peace to train station. It will serve commercial and residential developments, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, the County GAA grounds, Drogheda United FC and various educational and retail facilities.
Rathmullen Road from Marley’s Lane Junction
Cycle lane and footpath of 1.15km on Rathmullen road to Marley’s lane junction. The route links a large number of residential estates to Drogheda Town Centre and the R132. The proposed inclusion of cycle lanes along this stretch of road will encourage more cycling for commuters into the town centre and will tie in with our works on Bridge of Peace and Dominic Bridge.
Dublin Road to Meath border
Cycle lane and footpath c.1.6kms from train station to the Meath boundary. The creation of appropriate segregated cycle lanes, pedestrian/cyclist crossing a safe commuter corridor for pedestrians and cyclists to access areas along the length of the town. These new facilities will also complement the existing cycle lanes constructed in Co. Meath and will tie in with our works from Bridge of Peace to train station.
