Street works in Offaly village causing major concern
Traffic calming and traffic management measures in Rhode village are causing major concern among the locals.
One person said there is severe disruption and the works are leaving the roads so narrow that cars cannot get up or down. In addition they said the temporary footpaths leading into shops are too high for safety.
One person said the local businesses are suffering because of the works. People say the lack of parking is leaving elderly people vulnerable and having to walk longer distances.
According to Offaly County Council the purpose of the works is to modify and tighten up the existing junction, upgrade two existing pedestrian crossings, provide two additional pedestrian crossings, a raised junction table, upgrade footpaths and install appropriate road signage.
The council says that ''once completed the crossroads in Rhode will be a raised table junction, i.e. no kerbs. The steep ramps currently in place are only a temporary measure.''
They say that ''all our Active Travel Works are undertaken in line with appropriate industry guidelines. Once completed, the upgrade will:
*Provide a safer environment for Pedestrians and Vulnerable Road Users within Rhode Village.
*Slow vehicles down with the village and traffic passing through Rhode Village.
*Remove unregulated unsafe parking entirely from the crossroads and near pedestrian crossings to improve sight lines.
*HGV’s will have to wait until junctions are clear to continue, crossing the centreline''
The local authority says it has put temporary traffic management measures in place in order to allow the works to proceed safely.
The county council and Edenderry Municipal District say they regret any inconvenience caused by these works.
Prior to work starting, plans were advertised in the local papers and people were invited to make submissions or representations.
The notice was placed in papers in early February and people had until March 23 to make any observations.
A spokesperson said this notice was also on display in the Edenderry Municipal District office and Aras an Chontae Tullamore.
In addition the spokesperson said the works were discussed and passed at the April Edenderry Municipal District meeting.
According to the council, work began on July 27 and at that time was to last for a period of 12 to 14 weeks.