Work to begin on Ballymahon pedestrian and cycle scheme
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A proposed image of what part of the new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure works will offer when completed.Image 2 of 2
At the contract signing were, (back from left) Longford County Council executive engineers John Skelly and Charles Sorohan; Leas-Cathaoirleach Ballymahon Municipal District Cllr Paul Ross, Cllr Sean Mimnagh, Cllr Pat O’Toole, and CST consultant engineers Philip Bayfield and Kevin Fidgeon; (front) Longford County Council director of service John Brannigan, An Cathaoirleach, Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, Ciarán Garry, Tower Civil Engineering, and Brian Kelly, Longford County Council senior executive engineer.Works are to commence this week on a €1.4 million pedestrian and cycleway scheme in Ballymahon town.
Longford County Council have announced Tower Civil Engineering Ltd, Tullamore, as the main works contractors for the project, known as the R392 Ballymahon Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme.
The contract for the construction phase of the project has been signed, and works are expected to commence from Tuesday, August 18.
The project is being funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) through the Active Travel Programme and has been designed by CST Group Consulting Engineers in partnership with Longford County Council’s Active Travel Team.
The council said the scheme will deliver approximately 350m of new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along the R392 Ballymahon to Lanesborough Road, extending from the Moigh Road junction to St Matthew’s National School.
Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete, the council said.
In a press release announcing the contractors, the council said: ‘The project represents a significant investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and road safety in Ballymahon.
“The provision of a new two-way cycle track will create a safer and more attractive route for cyclists and pedestrians, improving accessibility and comfort for all users including local residents, school children and visitors to the town.”
The council said that among the additional measures to be introduced are two raised zebra crossings on the R392 to provide safer crossing points for pedestrians, and other traffic calming measures, including a narrowed carriageway, gateway signage and raised crossing points.
“The project will particularly benefit students attending St Matthew’s National School, the Convent of Mercy and Ballymahon Vocational School,” the council said.
As part of the project, school zones will be established at St Matthew’s National School and Ballymahon Vocational School to create safer environments for students, staff and parents; the existing ESB overhead network will be placed underground, with the removal of utility poles; new public lighting will be installed along the route to enhance visibility and safety for all road users; and the installation of new surface water drainage infrastructure, to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding, will be introduced.
“The completed scheme will provide substantial benefits for the community, including improved road safety, reduced vehicle speeds, enhanced accessibility, greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists, and a more attractive approach to Ballymahon town’, the council said.
Cllr Gerry Hagan (Fine Gael), An Cathaoirleach said: “I warmly welcome this project and the many improvements it will bring to the local community. The delivery of safer footpaths, a dedicated cycle track, new pedestrian crossings and enhanced school zones will make a real difference for families, schoolchildren and residents. “This is a positive investment in the future of Ballymahon.”
The council added that the delivery of the project has been made possible through the co-operation and support of local stakeholders, landowners and educational partners. They acknowledged the assistance of Fr Liam Murray and the St Mel’s Diocesan Trust, St Matthew’s National School, Ballymahon Vocational School, and John Nally and Enda Connerton, who facilitated the project through the provision of lands required.
Longford County Council advised that temporary traffic management measures, including periodic lane closures, will be necessary during the construction phase.
“Every effort will be made by the council and Tower Civil Engineering Ltd to minimise disruption and complete the works as efficiently as possible,” the council said. The contract signing was attended by members of the Ballymahon Municipal District, including Cllr Hagan, councillor colleagues and council officials, representatives of the Active Travel Team, CST Group Consulting Engineers and Tower Civil Engineering Ltd.