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The SARSFIELD bridge in the city center could be closed to cars as part of a new transportation strategy for the region.
Some 184 km of a cycle network, segregated cycle paths and a system of bus connections linking Limerick and Shannon are also elements of a key transport strategy, which was unveiled on Wednesday morning.
The Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area’s first transportation strategy, the draft of which was released today, is designed to shape the future of transportation locally through 2040.
People across Limerick were on display and encouraged to voice their opinion on the plan endorsed by the National Transportation Authority (NTA).
One of the main goals of the strategy is to “radically transform the cycling environment so that anyone of any age feels safe and confident enough to cycle to work, school, college and other activities.”
To this end, separate cycle lanes are proposed for a number of key routes into the city center, including from Mungret via Ballinacurra Road, South Circular Road and Henry Street.
A link from Ballysimon Road is also proposed, in addition to the University of Limerick and the National Park of Technology along Dublin Road and Plassey Park Road.
On the north side, the NTA proposes that Caherdavin Cross be linked to the Sarsfield Bridge via Cratloe Road, Sexton Street, High Road, Belfield Gardens and Clancy’s Strand via a segregated bike path.
An integral part of the plan will bring “an efficient, frequent and reliable bus system to Limerick”, with O’Connell Street the backbone of the scheme.
As part of the Strategy, bus priority will be dramatically improved through reallocation of road space, new investment in bus signs, development of bus gates, and acquisition of land to accommodate bus lanes when needed.
As part of BusConnects Limerick, Sarsfield Bridge is proposed to provide roundtrip bus priority, bike and foot only, in a move that could ban cars.
Local and regional bus connectivity to downtown Shannon, employment areas and the airport will be improved if the strategy goes ahead.
In terms of rail, a shift to higher speeds and / or electrification for intercity services should be examined.
The NTA, Irish Rail and the City of Limerick and Clare County Council and County Council are looking to provide a ‘double track’ between the city’s main train station and Limerick Junction to facilitate better local and national connectivity .
A redevelopment of Colbert Station is planned, while priority will also be given to several major road schemes, including the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road and Northern Distributor Road.
Anne Graham, who heads the National Transportation Authority, said the strategy represents a “potential game changer” for Limerick.
“We want to make it easier for people to get around reducing congestion and making this place more attractive to people who live here, work here or want to visit it,” he said.
The strategy can be seen at the Limerick council offices at Merchant’s Quay or Dooradoyle until 16 October.
For more information or to make a presentation, call 087-4354401. Or send an email to [email protected].
You can also find information about the strategy itself at www.nationaltransport.ie/public-consultations/
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