‘Nightmare’ traffic as roadworks continue on busy road in Waterford city
Various traffic management systems have been in place on the Dunmore Road in recent days
A large number of local residents have expressed their frustration over the “nightmare” traffic being experienced on a busy road in Waterford city.
Various traffic management systems have been in place near the Riverside Cottage on the Dunmore Road in recent days.
Roadworks are taking place which relate to the commencement of construction on a new 91-unit housing development in the area.
Stop-go systems and temporary traffic lights have caused significant delays, particularly at rush hour times.
Traffic lights just inside the entrance to the Riverview housing estate have also been a source of frustration.
On Monday evening, it was reported that traffic was backing up past University Hospital Waterford.
At times, it was tailing back as far as the Cove Bar, which is over two kilometres from where the works are taking place.
In the aftermath of those tailbacks, Fianna Fáil councillor Adam Wyse provided an update on the traffic management situation.
In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, Cllr Wyse said: “[The] lights/stop-go system that caused huge traffic backlogs yesterday on the Dunmore Road will not be in place this evening or any evening going forward during the works.
“Having spoken to the council, the contractor made the decision yesterday to have a stop-go system in place which caused a huge tailback which was very frustrating for people.
“Going forward, the contractor has agreed to man the stop-go system during working hours.
“All traffic management will be removed daily at 5:30/6pm at the latest to allow traffic to flow freely.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the traffic situation would improve for motorists that evening.
However, the post received several comments from local residents who indicated that the tailbacks were still significant on Tuesday evening.
One user commented: “The lane is still down to one lane. Crazy removing the system at half 5 when people are finishing work before that.
“Traffic is worse than yesterday. Nightmare on the new road.”
“Still not removed Adam all workers gone and not moved causing uproar with drivers forcing their way in,” another person commented.
Similarly, one local woman said that the traffic was “definitely more dangerous” on Tuesday evening.
It is not yet clear how long the traffic management systems will remain in place at the junction.