A TRAFFIC lights system has been proposed as the best solution to a long-standing problem with congestion at a busy Killarney junction – but the work won’t be done until next year at the earliest.
Problems being encountered at the junction from the main Cork Road, at the turn-off to Ballycasheen, have been on the agenda of Killarney Municipal District Council for a number of years.
It has now been confirmed that a traffic light solution is being developed by consultants to ensure it meets the demands.
Pavement improvements will also be carried out as well as optimising travel facilities within the available width along that section of the N22 and it is hoped that the project will be completed in 2022.
It has been almost five years since a deputation highlighted the situation at a council meeting where councillors and officials were briefed on the crisis situation on the road leading from the Woodlawn, Whitebridge Manor and Ballycasheen area on to the N22.
It was pointed out that parents driving their children to school, motorists on their way to work and other road users are encountering massive delays at the notorious T-junction leading from the densely popular residential area.
One concerned resident said it is like trying to cross a busy motorway.
“Do we have to wait until someone is killed before traffic lights are installed or a roundabout is provided there?” the deputation asked.
It was pointed out at the time that children were arriving late for school every day because their parents are struggling to get access from the Woodlawn area on to the N22.
A 15-minute traffic study between 9.00am and 9.15am one November morning revealed that 215 vehicles passed the junction travelling from Killarney with a further 207 heading towards Killarney.
