Call for safety works on narrow bridge to Laois school
A narrow road leading to a Laois primary school in Portlaoise Municipal District is a safety concern for school traffic, a local councillor says.
Cllr Marie Tuohy has raised concern about traffic safety on the Colt Road near Portlaoise.
She has asked Laois County Council to improve visibility, safety, and room for traffic to meet and pass, around the Colt Bridge Raheen.
She tabled a motion to the recent meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, also requesting that the bridge be prioritised on the Programme for Bridge Works 2024.
She explained the dangers.
“It is years since anything was done on it. It is a busy road. It has farm traffic as well as the school.
“There is very little room on it. There is not enough room for two cars to pass. The edges of the road are very soft and mucky. It needs passing bays.
“Markings would be helpful but it needs more,” Cllr Tuohy said.
In reply area engineer Wes Wilkinson said that his office would arrange to install 'slow' road markings on the approach to the bridge.
“Subject to agreement with the members here today, Colt Bridge will be prioritised on the application for funding for bridge rworks in 2024.
“Should additional funding become available in 2023, we will carry out works at Colt Bridge,” the area engineer said.
Colt Bridge is on a road near the N77 Portlaoise to Abbeyleix road, leading to Raheen village, Raheen National School and Colt GAA club.