Ballinamore could be getting traffic lights

Ballinamore could be in line to have traffic lights installed to help make the main Aughnasheelin junction safer for pedestrians. Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn has called on Leitrim County Council to look into upgrading the bridge in Ballinamore at the bottom of town to perhaps include a footbridge for pedestrians.

She said the current junction “is extremely dangerous for pedestrians especially at school times.” She added “the junction is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.” Cllr Reynolds-Flynn also noted that with more and more events happening at the Island Theatre pedestrian access is important from the town.

Leitrim County Council said the river bridge is currently part of the regional road traffic and there is a narrow footpath which can be very busy due to school, theatre and the Canal Bank Walk. The Council's Ballinamore district office has requested that the Leitrim Active Travel team look at a viable option to make pedestrian movement safer at that junction. Senior Council Engineer, Darragh O’Boyle, added “this may involve investigating a traffic light solution, bridge solution, or other.”

Mr O’Boyle said the Active Travel team are invested in the safer to schools scheme and will look at the options available to them and the design of the bridge.

He explained that traffic lights on the Aughnasheelin road could be a possible solution to allow walkers to cross the busy intersection more safely. Ballinamore could become the fourth location in the county to have traffic lights if the Active Travel section of Leitrim County Council deem it necessary for pedestrian safety.

Carrick-on-Shannon has pedestrian lights on the N4 outside Scoil Mhuire, Manorhamilton has traffic lights on the N16 junction and Leitrim Village has traffic lights on the bridge.