Plans for pedestrian crossing at dangerous BJD bend

Concerns over the safety of pedestrians were raised.

A pedestrian crossing is needed on a “dangerous” stretch of road in Ballyjamesduff according to a local Councillor.

Cathaoirleach of the local Municipal District, Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) said people are “taking their lives in their hands” crossing the Virginia Road from the Grove Park housing estate.

A pedestrian access from the estate to the road was put in place as part of the development but there is no safe crossing point.

Cllr Smith said this is a particular issue for children who must cross the road to get to school.

“When I do the school run in the morning you just see children darting across. They’re holding their lives in their hands.”

The busy road, coupled with the end of the lane being on a corner, has led to concerns for pedestrians who are crossing.

He called for either the provision of a pedestrian crossing close to the site or the closure of the pedestrian access lane into the estate.

John McGahern, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with the MD, said he’s aware of the issue and described it as “a no-brainer”.

“I agree completely with you completely that it’s dangerous. The lane was included in the original plans.”

He said the MD is working on drawing up plans for a pedestrian crossing but the location means this is not an easy process. “Because it’s so close to the bend, it does complicate it quite a bit”, he said.

But he was hopeful of a resolution, saying that if funding can be secured under the Active Travel Scheme from the National Transport Authority, works could be carried out in the first half of 2022.

The motion was supported by Cllr Shane P O’Reilly (IND).