COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

In the context of the additional safety features recently introduced at the N4/M50 roundabout, that the Manager responsible discusses if he is satisfied that the signage on the N4 as one approaches the M50 intersection from the West, that it is accurate and that traffic gets sufficient and accurate information as to which lane they should enter to assess the M50 North, M50 South and Centre City/Palmerston? The present situation, which I have highlighted previously, is very misleading and often results in vehicles travelling from the West having either to change lanes very late at a danger to themselves and other vehicles and/or continue on to make a U turn at Kennelsfort Road at VERY considerable risk to both themselves and other vehicles coming off Kennelsfort Road upper travelling west.  It has been pointed out that the signage for the Airport/M50 North on the overhead gantry closest to the N4/M50 intersection could be moved to the left so as clearly indicate the correct lane.

REPLY:

The National Roads Authority have recently installed high visibility splitter island cones on the approach to the M50 which give greater clarity to road users of diversions. The signage is considered adequate and the gantry signs are in their correct location with arrows directly above the centre of relevant lanes. The gantries are located at proper distances from the intersection and give advance warning to motorists that changes to the driving lanes are approaching and they should be mindful of their lane position at the gantry. There is sufficient distance between the gantries and the lane diversion for the necessary changes to be made provided speed limits are adhered to.  The speed limits are clearly visible and signaled well in advance of any changes to the layout.  Despite this some motorists do not always take the right direction at junctions and this will always result in traffic having to turn back at some point. This is the safer option rather than late crossing of lanes before the junction. The U turning movement occurs occasionally at Kennelsfort Road while traffic coming from the minor road (Kennelsfort) is also turning left at this time. These movement can be safely carried out provided motorist take due care and attention of other road users and the bus lane has been altered to allow for this.  Traffic exiting from Kennelsfort Road has its own acceleration lane.