This article is from page 26 of the 2009-07-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
CONCERNS have been expressed about the safety of the county’s first ever motorway.
Councillor Johnny Flynn (FG) has written to the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey (FF) asking him to direct the National Roads Authority to carry out a safety audit on the N18, before the speed limit is increased on almost 21 kilometres of the main Galway-Limerick road.
The Ennis councillor, who is a qualified civil engineer, said he was also drawing on his experience as a fire chief attending motor accidents when highlighting his concerns.
“Before making a final declaration on the speed limit, I am asking the minister to direct the NRA to carry out an audit on size and layout of the slip roads on the Ennis bypass. The signage also needs to be reconsid- ered,” he said.
Cllr Flynn that the lead-in to the Barefield and Tulla road slipways 1s not adequate for motorway speeds of €120 kilometres per hour. He said there should be adequate land take available to rectify this potential hazard. The councillor said the NRA
should also improve the signage on the dual carriageway to give motor- ists adequate notice of turn offs.
The Minister for Transport declared a total of 294km of national roads as new motorway sections to take af- fect on August 28. Among these new motorways is the N18 Oranmore to Limerick route.
The 12.5km of the Ennis bypass will be considered a motorway come the end of August, as will the 8.3 kil- ometre dual carriageway from Shan- non to Ennis. The Gort to Crusheen dual carriageway currently under construction will also be a motor- way, as will the Oranmore to Gort route currently in planning.
The designated speed of 120kph will apply to all newly declared mo- torway sections unless special speed limits are in operation. In addition, the new status will also serve to pro- tect the route against inappropriate development, including multiple ac- cess points, which would have road safety implications and affect the ef- ficiency and service life of the route.
DIU uMENy Delcam Na leRer OK nb ITO) elo ENIoer tions of these routes should note that until August 28, the current speed limit will apply.