COMMUTERS to Galwaycity from north and east Galway have lobbied Minister Sean Canney over traffic chaos on the east side of Galway city resulting from recent lay-out changes.
Mr. Canney is optimistic that a solution can be worked out with the assistance of is Galway West Oireachtas colleagues and feel the opening of the long-awaited Claregalway-City bus lane will contribute towards making the commute to the city from the east of the county easier and quicker.
He stated although this is a Galway West issue he has taken a hand in the matter as he estimated that up to 60 percent of traffic in the worst-hit Parkmore area is from workers living in his constituency of Galway East making their way to and fro work in the city.
In a statement he says he has been informed the short term solutions were progressing on the Parkmore traffic congestion. Capacity improvements at the Parkmore and Lynch junctions, including improved signal management, have been installed and were having a positive impact on traffic.
“I was in attendance at a recent meeting accompanied by my Oireachtas colleagues from Galway West. Works to the Doughiska junction are ongoing with some works to begin in May.
“Further works being considered include an extension of the N6 Right Turning Lane and widening of Parkmore West for a left turning lane.
“Further medium term traffic capacity improvements are under consideration and if successful will see construction underway in 2018. The works include Briarhill junction, cycling facilities, widening of Parkmore South, upgrading priority junctions and widening of Parkmore West road.
“Other works include the bringing forward of the long awaited bus lane from Claregalway to the city outskirts. This bus lane will be brought on line in the next year.
“The progress to date is to be welcomed. There will be a further meeting of the Steering Group and the Oireachtas members in the coming weeks to ensure that the project continues to progress in a cohesive manner.
“It is vital that solutions are found for workers travelling to their place of work. At least 60 per cent of traffic going to Parkmore is coming from Galway East. It is important that the concerns of the workers are addressed.”
