New traffic flow system mooted for busy junction in Mayo town
Cllr Peter Flynn put forward the suggestion.
A proposal has been made for a new traffic flow system at a busy intersection in Westport.
The Cathaoirleach of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District Cllr Peter Flynn proposed at the May meeting of the forum that traffic at the Golf Course Road in Westport should be directed left towards the Newport Road roundabout and then turn back into town. Cllr Flynn made the suggestion in light of ongoing traffic delays highlighted by Cllr John O’Malley at the Golf Course Road/Newport Road junction, which he said can last twenty minutes during rush hour.
Cllr Flynn stated: “One proposal is that it would be mandatory for all traffic to turn left so that at least there would be a constant flow. Personally, I think it would be a very good idea, as all traffic could go on to the roundabout and either back into town or use the relief road to go around the town.”
Cllr Flynn further proposed an on-site meeting between council engineers and councillors, and this was supported by members.
Cllr O’Malley said there are 220 people working in the adjacent industrial estate, “which is more than might have been envisaged”, and there isn’t sufficient employee parking or room for trucks to unload and turn in the estate.
“There is chaos there every day," he claimed.
Area Engineer Heather Gibbons said it was "up to each industrial estate to satisfy their needs for their staff, that was part of their planning, to provide parking for their clients and their staff". In relation to the junction layout, she agreed that a site visit could be arranged and road measurements taken “to see if anything can be done". She suggested that a left-turn-only policy from the Golf Course Road could lead to the Newport Road roundabout “ending up in standstill if all cars turn left” and said the situation would have to be reviewed with the Road Design Office. It was agreed that councillors and management would make a visit to both sites to explore options.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
