Radar causing hold-ups on Laois town’s unofficial busy bypass
Road markings also missing on Mountmellick Road
The location of radar sensors is causing delays at a bridge on Montmellick’s unofficial bypass, according to a Laois councillor.
Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, made the claim when also highlighting the need for new road markings on a route which he said carries a ‘huge volume of traffic’ between Laois and Offaly.
Cllr Bracken raised issues about the L-20976 in Mountmellick at a recent meeting with officials. He tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to refresh and renew road markings to slow down the traffic from Hickey’s Bridge to Manor Road.
“The markings are all gone but there is a huge volume of traffic on the bypass of the town,” he said.
While he would prefer ramps to help slow traffic he said markings would help. He also highlighted a problem with traffic lights at Hickey’s Bridge which is bringing traffic to a standstill.
He said motorists need to be encouraged to proceed forward to a point at the bridge where their vehicles will activate the lights to change.
“If a car does not hit where the sensor is the whole place gets blocked up,” he said.
Cllr Bracken said he had seen the issue himself adding that local residents are most impacted especially on busy Friday evenings.
James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer in the Council’s Roads section replied in writing.
“Laois County Council will arrange for the installation of new and replenishment of existing road markings at Manor Road Mountmellick,” he said.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District in County Hall.