New reversible one-way traffic system to cause uproar in Derry
A controversial new traffic flow system aimed at easing traffic congestion is set to cause uproar in Derry when it comes into operation in the city next year.
The new scheme will see traffic operate one-way around the city on both sides of the River Foyle for three days a week before reversing to flow in the opposite direction for the following three days.
Sunday traffic will operate as it is now.
The move follows countless complaints of traffic congestion in the city.
There was uproar earlier this month when the closure of the Waterside-bound carriageway on Foyle Bridge caused traffic chaos in the city.
The shutdown led to lengthy tailbacks on roads leading to and from Craigavon Bridge, the city’s only other vehicle crossing, causing many irate motorists to angrily hit out.
However, Derry Now has learned previous to that Transport NI had already decided to introduce the new traffic flow system which will almost certainly cause uproar in the city.
Under the scheme, all lanes on Limavady Road, Duke Street, Craigavon Bridge, John Street, Foyle Expressway, Queen’s Quay, Strand Road, Culmore Road and
Foyle Bridge will operate a one-way clockwise system on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays before reversing to flow anti-clockwise on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The decision to reverse the system was taken as it is seen as a “fair way” for it to operate.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy gave the system the green light after visiting Grimsby where a similar scheme has proved successful since it was introduced several years ago.
Mr Kennedy will later this month meet the city’s business leaders and members of the newly-formed Derry City and Strabane District Council to outline the “finer details” of the scheme.
He is expected to inform them while the scheme will add up to five mile on journeys, time-wise they will be shorter as traffic will flow much faster.
It is understood the new system could come into operation as early as January next year.