Two-way traffic must be retained on N3 - Rawle
PLANS Route from Crystal to Kilmore to be upgraded
The existing two-way flow of traffic on the N3 approach road to Cavan must be retained in any local authority plans for the route, a local business owner has said.
“Anything that relieves congestion is great,” Seamus Rawle, the operator of the Cavan McDonald’s franchise, said of the plans.
Mr Rawle told theCelt: “Safety of all road users is of great importance. It can be congested on Friday on the way into town. Once the plan does not go to one-way traffic, it would be good to see the improvements. It looks like the plan is retaining entry to the restaurant from both directions.”
The businessman said that, on the face of it, the plan does not appear to negatively impact footfall and car count: “The prime consideration for me is that it would not be rerouted to one-way traffic only. My own preference would be to retain the roundabout as opposed to the traffic lights, but I can see what they are trying to do with that option.”
Mr Rawle said he could be swayed on the roundabout: “If there is empirical evidence that show traffic lights make the junction safer, then I would say safety should be the number one concern.”
The local authority is determining public opinion on the proposals to change the N3 entrance to Cavan Town from the Dublin side. The project will see the council work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to upgrade the stretch of road that runs between the Cavan Crystal Hotel and the Hotel Kilmore roundabout.
Two options being considered include pedestrian crossing, kerbed grassed medians to calm traffic, extending footpath, taking the cycle track off the road in places, reconfiguring the carriageway lanes, and the suggestion of changing the roundabout to a junction box.
Cavan County Council says the schemes will enhance the safety and efficiency of one of the main arteries into Cavan Town and a corridor “of strategic regional importance”.
They said: “While alleviating congestion issues and improving safety for all road users, the schemes will be of particular benefit to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.The input of all stakeholders; whether they are road users, residents, businesses, or community groups; is most welcome, and Cavan County Council encourages any interested parties to make a submission before the conclusion of the public consultation period.”
The scheme information and drawings are available to view on the council’s webpage.
The public are invited to make submissions by Friday, June 4 on the website or by post to: Cavan County Council, Road Design, Courthouse, Farnham Street, Cavan H12 R6V2 and email: n3dublinrdschemes@cavancoco.ie