COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Cathaoirleach's Business

That the Manager arrange that the traffic and pedestrian controls at Kennelsfort Road/N4 junction be examined and that measures and specific plans to resolve the chronic traffic chaos be put in place to make this critical crossroads safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles.  At present (1) vehicles stop “over” the pedestrian crossing on Kennelsfort Road Upper making it extremely dangerous especially for children on their way to school (2) vehicles coming from the Village turning right or going straight ahead are given very little “Green” time and there have been a number of near misses (3)the barriers on the median are not sufficient to deter or discourage pedestrians from surface crossing and need to be extended (4) it is impossible at present to get even a modest funeral from St. Philomena’s Church through the lights and it should be possible with the CCTV at this location to manage the traffic better (the promised bias towards traffic from Upper Kennelsfort Rd to the Village at -10.00am –daily Mass time and on week-ends especially Sundays does not appear to be implemented).

REPORT:

There are no signs or roadmarkings in the Traffic Signs Manual specific to the issue raised. This matter was discussed at the Area Committee Meeting in February 2012.  The concerns expressed by the Members at that Meeting were referred to the local Gardaí.  The Gardai were informed that during periods of congestion and particularly on Fridays some motorists are in the habit of stopping on the crossing area, making it difficult and dangers for Pedestrians to cross the road.  In view of the serious concerns expressed by the Members the Gardai were requested to give this matter special attention and revert to the Council with their findings.  Their response is awaited. 

The median pedestrian barriers are provided to discourage the use of the median by pedestrians and to highlight the undesirable nature of making a surface crossing at this point. These barriers are considered adequate for this purpose.

It is a desirable goal, but not always an obtainable goal, for traffic signals to clear all traffic queued on each approach during each sequence cycle. Other considerations for the Kennelsfort Road signals on N4 require coordination with the signals at The Oval junction to ensure a base line capacity exists on this section of the road network. This coordination restricts the flexibility in signal timings. Depending on the pattern of vehicles arriving at the signals the entire queue may not be cleared at every cycle. At mid morning and on Sundays priority increases for the side roads as conditions are quieter on the N4.  This junction continues to be monitored with a view to maximising capacity for all traffic movements.