Knock turn-off the ‘most dangerous junction’ on the N17

Knock turn-off the ‘most dangerous junction’ on the N17


Michael Commins

IT has been dubbed the most dangerous turning-off point on the N17 from Tuam to Charlestown. The Ballyfarna junction where traffic turns off on the “old” road to Knock Shrine has been the scene of numerous accidents since the by-pass opened in 2002.
The latest accident took place last week when a vehicle turning right off the N17 collided with a car coming from the Kilkelly direction. The two drivers, who incurred slight injuries, were taken by ambulance to Mayo General Hospital.
One of them was former Mayo TD, PJ Morley, who was discharged from hospital later. The other driver is understood to be a native of Co Clare.
People from the area are demanding that the NRA erect warning signs on the approaches to the junction before there is a major accident. One local resident told The Mayo News: “It is a death trap and those responsible should immediately erect signs warning road users to be careful. Around four years ago, an elderly woman was seriously injured when her car was involved in a collision at this spot.
She never fully recovered and died some weeks later.
Only last summer, two young girls were lucky to survive a serious crash at the same spot.
“Many people from South Mayo, Galway and the southern region still use the old road into Knock because that is the way they always came into the village.
The volume of traffic turning right at the Ballyfarna junction is very high and is many times higher than any other turn-off along the N17. It is also very dangerous for traffic exiting from the old Knock road and crossing the N17 for the old Barnacarroll road.
“Warming signs need to be erected as a matter of real urgency and I think they should also install lights at the junction to highlight the danger for night-time drivers along this busy road.
“It is only a matter of time until there is some disaster unless remedial action is taken very soon.”