North Mayo residents concerned with motorists using narrow road as short-cut

Mayo motorists who are using a narrow local road as an unofficial short cut and diversion around Straide village are causing traffic disruptions and concerns for local residents.

The reconstruction of the Straide Bridge which started in June has resulted in the closure of the N58 road through the north Mayo village with diversions in place to bring traffic coming from the Foxford and Ballyvary direction along the N5 and R312 roads.

These diversions can add a minimum of 10km onto a motorists journey with many now deciding to use the L-17141 local road which goes around Straide village as a shortcut. However this has resulted in increased traffic along the narrow road which is causing concern for many residents in the area.

Castlebar-based councillor Michael Kilcoyne raised the matter with Mayo County Council saying the local road was was not fit for purpose. In response, David Mellett, the Director of Services in the Castlebar Municipal District stated that they have put in measures to try to alleviate the pressure on local residents.

“The designated diversion route via the N5 and R321 has generally operated satisfactorily, however it has been identified that a minority of drivers are not following the signed diversion and are instead using the L-17141 local road as a shortcut,” explained Mr Mellett.

“This has resulted in increased traffic volumes on a road intended primarily for local access and has generated understandable concerns for residents, particularly with the return of school. These concerns have been raised directly with Mayo County Council by residents, public representatives and local stakeholders and have been closely monitored by the project team.

“In response, additional signage was provided at the closure points and a joint assessment was undertaken by Mayo County Council and the contractor. This resulted in the installation of five passing bays at suitable locations along the L-17141 to improve passing opportunities and assist local traffic movements. The effectiveness of these measures continues to be monitored and any further interventions considered necessary and justified will be implemented where practicable.”

Carefully assessed

Cllr Kilcoyne pointed out in a notice of motion which will be raised at Monday's monthly meeting of Mayo County Council that the local road which is now being used to detour traffic is so narrow in parts that two vehicles cannot pass and with school buses now back on the road, the situation has deteriorated even further.

Mr Mellett said the selection of the diversion route was also carefully assessed with traffic counts and data from TII traffic monitoring systems reviewed, along with the likely impacts on HGVS, buses, agricultural traffic, commuters and local access.

“Given the volume of traffic normally carried by the N58, it was considered essential that diverted traffic be accommodated on roads capable of carrying those volumes. For that reason, the diversion route was established via the N5 and R321 rather than local roads,” he stated in his report to Cllr Kilcoyne.

The existing Straide bridge is currently being replaced after it was identified to have had structural deficiencies and the work is expected to be completed in December. The new structure will incorporate piled foundations, a new bridge deck, new stone parapets and improved road approaches.

New bridge

The new bridge will be widened to provide two metre raised concrete verges on both sides of the carriageway, improving facilities for pedestrians and other road users. The waterway beneath the bridge will also be approximately 4.5 metres wider and 310mm higher than the existing structure, increasing flood capacity and helping to reduce the risk of flooding in the village.

“The replacement of Straide Bridge is a significant investment in the national road network,” Mr Mellett added.

“When completed, it will address the structural deficiencies of the existing bridge, improve facilities for pedestrians and road users, increase flood capacity through the village and ensure the continued safe operation of this important crossing.

“Mayo County Council recognises the disruption and inconvenience experienced by local residents, businesses and road users during the construction period and appreciates their patience and cooperation. While the works and associated traffic management arrangements present challenges in the short term, they are necessary to facilitate the delivery of a project that will provide long-term safety, accessibility and flood resilience benefits for the area.”