COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
HEADED ITEM NO. 7
REPORT ON RATHFARNHAM QBC ENHANCEMENTS (Grange Road to Dodder Park Road)
Introduction
The Quality Bus Network Project Office (QBNPO) in conjunction with South Dublin County Council is proposing to improve the bus priority measures along Grange Road and Rathfarnham Road.
On the review of the existing QBCs, the Department of Transport (DOT) and the QBNPO have identified a number of pinch-points along each corridor. On the Rathfarnham QBC there are existing bus priority measures in both the inbound and outbound directions. Delays to buses are being experienced at the Dodder Park Road in the outbound direction. The other areas where delays are being experienced are at the approaches to junctions.
Proposed works
- Provide first bus priority bus lanes at the Grange Road/Willbrook Road, Rathfarnham Road/Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham Road/Main Street, and Rathfarnham Road/Dodder Park Road junctions. This entails extending the bus lanes closer to the stop lines so that buses get through on the first green signal.
- Provide a new bus and cycle lane by widening the carriageway by 3.5m on Grange Road. This will involve relocating the existing wall and removal of the semi-mature trees and replacing with similar.
- Installation of Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation (MOVA) at the Rathfarnham Road/Dodder Park Road junction.
- Provide entry treatments at all minor side roads
The proposed scheme has the potential to provide considerable benefits for public transport users on the route as follows:
- Improved bus journey times and reliability by providing Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI)
- Upgraded bus stops with Kassel kerbs and shelters
- Improved facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and the mobility impaired and disabled.
- Upgraded traffic signal control system.
- Accident remedial measures
It is proposed to initiate a Part 8 public consultation process under the Local Government Planning & Development Regulations in the immediate future. The cost of the scheme will be funded from the DTO’s Annual Traffic Management Grant programme.