IT is hoped that construction of a whole new junction at a notorious accident blackspot where Upper Lewis Road leads on to the busy bypass road will be ready to commence in 2022, once statutory consent has been received and the necessary land is acquired, it emerged today.
The plan will include an underground passage for pedestrians and cyclists and while residents objected to an underpass being built at Bridgefield estate, a new location close by has been identified and negotiations with the property owner are continuing.
Replying to a query from Mayor Marie Moloney, who asked for an update on the safety works, council officials said the advancement of the project is reliant on the provision of the crossing for vulnerable road users on the N22.
A topographical survey of the site has recently been completed and an underground utility survey is scheduled to take place this month.
It is hoped that the statutory consent for the underpass will be published towards the end of the year to allow tender documents to be prepared and works to commence.
Mayor Moloney asked council officials to consider putting interim safety measures in place until the work commences and she suggested banning traffic exiting from the Lewis Road and the Kilcummin junctions from turning right.
The council said that would be a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
