Approval for major changes to Limerick roads
METROPOLITAN councillors have given the green light to some major changes to a number of roads on Limerick's northside.
As part of active travel measures on the route between the Technological University of the Shannon (Tus) campus at Moylish and the city centre, there will now be segregated cycle lanes and footpath upgrades.
These will take place along Cratloe Road, Sexton Street North and Thomondgate's High Road, with a number of dedicated pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities.
Also proposed is an upgrade to the traffic signals and layout at two busy junctions – Hassett’s Cross and Bellfield Court to provide protection for cyclists and priority for buses.
There will be an inbound bus lane extending along Cratloe Road from the Moylish roundabout to Hassett’s Cross.
Traffic calming measures are proposed for Bellfield Court and Bellfield Gardens, and the existing bus stops along Thomondgate High Road will be given a face-lift.
Detailed designs will now commence, with construction expected to begin next summer.
It was Green Party City North councillor Sasa Novak who proposed the passing of the planning application, acknowledging the project is "nearly a decade in the making".
"It is time that it is delivered," she said.
Labour's northside member Conor Sheehan seconded said while he feels what is being put out isn't what everyone would have sought, "Don't let the good be the enemy of the perfect. The scheme as proposed has been vastly improved over what would have originally been proposed."
"Hopefully we can cycle on with the scheme and get this much needed infrastructure in place," he told the meeting.
Since the plans are being delivered by council, and are taking place on public land, it was the role of metropolitan district members to approve or reject the plans.
They decided to do the former.