Galway town's new travel plans 'attractive and realistic'
The project is ultimately designed to deliver high-quality pedestrian and cycling facilities along the key routes
Galway County Council is advancing plans for the development of cycle tracks and pedestrian walkways in Ballinasloe, which will connect the town’s amenities while providing an “attractive and realistic” option for short journeys.
The local authority published an invitation to tender for the R446 Active Travel Scheme last week, seeking prospective contractors for the ambitious project, which will span from Bridge Street to Harris Road.
The plans include a two-way cycle track along one side of the R446.
It also includes a series of new and upgraded pedestrian crossings on the route, and a new roundabout at the R446-L4604 junction on Harris Road.
Two new bus stops with shelters will be provided at the Marina, along with new bus stops at Dunlo Hill.
And a new drop-off area at the creche on Brackernagh also forms part of the plans.
The Grand Canal Roundabout is also in line for an upgrade, and public realm improvements including verge planning and rain gardens will also be provided under the contract, in addition to street lighting and road surface works.
The project is ultimately designed to deliver high-quality pedestrian and cycling facilities along the key route, which incorporates the Marina, Harbour Road, and Dunlo Hill before connecting through the Harris Road junction to Brackernagh.
Technical specifications prepared by engineering consultants, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, involve the installation of a two-way cycle track alongside existing carriageways, extensive footpath upgrades, and the construction of a new roundabout.
The works also comprise major upgrades to side-road junctions, raised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, modifications to the Grand Canal Roundabout, and formalised parallel parking arrangements on the route.
The project is expected to take around four months, during which access will be maintained for businesses and heavy goods vehicles, according to tender documents.
Specifically, the tender competition prioritises quality over cost, with 70% of the available marks awarded for technical merit, and 30% allocated in relation to pricing.
Under the terms of the contract, the successful tenderer faces a €2,500 penalty for every week the overall project overruns its four-month completion deadline as the council seeks to ensure minimal disruption in the town.