The provision of an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists will be key to the success of the proposed new lay-out of the notorious junction linking Lewis Road in Killarney to the busy bypass road.
A part eight planning process will be required and it is envisaged that plans will be published in July and will be brought before local councillors for approval, or otherwise, by October.
The underpass will connect both sides of the bypass and it will provide a safe route for people going to and from the grounds of Killarney Celtic and Legion GAA Club as well as for those trying to gain access from the other side to Fitzgerald Stadium and the Dr Crokes grounds.
The underpass had initially been earmarked for an area closer to the housing estate at Bridgefield but, following objections, it has now been moved to the other side of Lewis Road where a new community nursing unit is being built on HSE-owned land.
While the long-term plan is to provide a completely new junction, once land is acquired and funding is secured, in the short-term traffic emerging on to the bypass from both Lewis Road and Coolcorcoran on to the bypass will only be allowed to turn left as right turns will be prohibited.
At a meeting of Killarney Municipal District Council this Monday, senior roads engineer Paul Curry said he hopes work can start on the left-turn only plan in August or September and once the required kerbing, bollards and cycle lanes are in place, the plan will be implemented by the end of the year.
“We would then hope to secure bigger funding for the major project after that,” said Mr Curry who said the public would be fully consulted in advance.
Major Active Travel plans are also in the pipeline for the roadway running from the MD O’Shea Roundabout, near Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, to the Ballycasheen/Woodlawn junction.
The road will be narrowed to reduce speed, new speed limits will be put in place, a cycle facility will be introduced and a traffic lights system will be put in place to allow better access from traffic existing from Ballycasheen on to the main Cork Road.
Mr Curry said it will be a winter project that will go to tender towards the end of this year.
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