Can long-term works be done at night?- McDermott

Cllr Sean McDermott asked that, in light of the recent closure of the N16 road for roadworks between Manorhamilton and Glenfarne for a considerable length of time, "is it possible in the future when such works have to take place, can consideration be given to carrying out the works at night time as is done in some other local authority areas."

The official response said that the N16 Manorhamilton to Cornacloy Phase 1 pavement overlay scheme consists of the strengthening and resurfacing of a 3km section of national primary legacy road between Manorhamilton and the Junction of the N16 / R283. 

The response continued: "The works will extend the life of the existing road, improve skip resistance, drainage, and ride-ability of the road. The works commenced on September 25 and are expected to be fully completed by October 27. To maintain road surface consistency of the N16 hot rolled asphalt, (HRA), was used as a road surface outside the speed limits, and to facilitate the installation of HRAa road closure was required. The road closure was advertised for a two week period, but only a one week road closure was required (9.15am – 4.30pm).

"The road closure was necessary for the installation of HRA giventhe fact that this section of the N16 is a legacy road which would not allow the safe working width required for workers on the road."

The response continued that organising a road closure at nighttime in a rural setting is not advisable due to health and safety issues for staff working at night, workmanship and quality control issues. 

Also, depending on the time of year low night temperature could become an issue and diverting a lot of traffic onto minor roads at night is not advisable as it could increase the risk of an accident on narrow, poorly aligned rural roads.

The response concluded that Leitrim County Council always try to minimise the impact of this type of work on the public and wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused in relation to these works.