Cllr 'doesn't accept' official stance on Carnalway junction

Main photo courtesy Google.

A request that a raised 'tabletop' traffic calming calming measure be considered for Carnalway Cross was stonewalled at the recent meeting of Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, writes Brian Byrne. But Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer says she'll continue to press for safety improvements at the 5-roads junction.

The councillor had previously requested street lights at the intersection on the Naas to Brannockstown road, where there have been a number of accidents. "It is an extremely fast pace busy road," she told officials at the latest meeting. "Not only is the main road fast but when trying to pull out from the side roads there aren't clear sight lines." She specifically cited the problem for motorists when pulling out from the Kilcullen-Logstown road at the location. "You have to cross over another road to straighten up to pull out on the Naas road, so it is already a very complex junction. But mix into that speed along a main road and reduced sight lines, and it is a serious accident waiting to happen."

Officials said that raised tabletops are 'usually an urban feature', pointing out that Carnalway is a rural location. They said that a raised tabletop requires public lights, traffic calming on either side and a review of the speed limit, and that here are no plans to install one at Carnalway.

Cllr O'Dwyer said emergency services at a recent traffic incident had found it difficult to manage the scene due to the lack of light and the complexity of the junction. "I do not accept the Council’s report that tabletop traffic calming measures are usually an urban feature and Carnalway is a rural location," she concluded. "I will continue to work on this issue."

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