Council takes action on traffic black spot

DUN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is to take action to alleviate traffic delays around Blackthorn Road in Sandyford.

Measures are being undertaken to improve traffic flows around Blackthorn Road and Blackthorn Avenue in the Sandyford Business District.

Motorists have experienced considerable delays during evening rush hours following the introduction of a new two-way system in the area.

The change was part of a wider series of measures aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists and to increase general accessibility for drivers into and around the Sandyford Business District.

According to the council, the community in Sandyford has generally welcomed the measures, including new traffic lights together with pedestrian crossings. However, the council has acknowledged that traffic delays have caused serious concern.

In a statement, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said it was acutely aware that motorists have experienced local traffic delays since the introduction of the two-way system.

“Regrettably the new two-way system on Blackthorn Road has caused significant delays and unintended frustration for drivers using this route in the evenings at peak travel time,

? a council spokesperson said.

“People have been finding it very difficult to exit some of the business car parks or to make reasonable progress on the road due to peak rush hour congestion.

“This is an unacceptable situation for everyone concerned including the county council.

?

Following a comprehensive review, including engagement with the Sandyford Business District Association (SBDA), measures are being undertaken immediately by the council to reduce evening travel times.

This will include widening the junction of Blackthorn Road and Blackthorn Avenue to accommodate two lanes of traffic.

And while Blackthorn Road will remain two-way, a second lane will be introduced on the approach to Blackthorn Avenue to increase traffic flows.

These measures are being implemented as a priority and works have already commenced.

“The council will continue to monitor traffic flows in the area following the introduction of these measures,

? the spokesperson added.