Plans for two new crossings in Mayo county town

A FOOTPATH and pedestrian crossings at Knockphunta, Castlebar, are in the pipeline.

The Westport Road crossings, in particular, were welcomed by long-term advocate Councillor Donna Sheridan, who said it is 'brilliant' to the see the project coming along.

In an update to elected representatives, Castlebar Municipal District head, David Mellett, explained how contracts are due to be signed for consultants to develop detailed designs for proposal 1 of the Castlebar Local Transport Plan and to take it through to construction.

This element of the plan has relatively few constraints impeding its delivery, but it will be subject to NTA funding approval.

Proposal 1 will connect the town from north to south along the R309, with extensions along the R308 to Castlebar Train Station and towards the town core.

The plan sets out at a high-level the proposed improvement in Active Travel infrastructure at Knockphunta, which includes a new footpath and safe crossing points (at two points marked X on map).

Once it gets into design, the details can be discussed with the consultants and the Active Travel team, he said.

The impact on traffic movement due to the existing pedestrian crossing at Aldi was also raised at a recent meeting.

In an update, members were told the current location of the crossing is on the desired line and in all likelihood, this is where people would try to cross the road regardless of if the crossing was moved to an alternative location.

The roundabout/junction will also form part of the consultants detailed design under proposal 1.