Motorists driven round bend by city’s new colour-coded road signs

Eoin English

More than 70 colour-coded signs have been dotted along the Inner Orbital Route over the last four weeks to help visitors during the Capital of Culture year. The 90,000 system is designed to make it easier for visiting motorists, in particular, to find their way around the city core.

The new signs are similar in design to the Dublin Orbital Route signs which had to be taken down after then Transport Minister Seamus Brennan said they were too confusing.

Yesterday motorists on the streets of Cork also complained the system was confusing and has not been explained to the public.

“The signs just appeared. I don’t know what they’re supposed to do. I’m looking at J23 now. What’s that supposed to mean?” motorist Darren O’Brien said before driving over Christy Ring Bridge.

“They look very confusing. There’s a lot of information crammed on. By the time you’ve taken it all in, you’ve already passed the sign,” said Ann Walsh from Carrigaline.

Nevertheless, the council defended the system.

The signs are based on Department of Environment guidelines drawn up in the wake of confusion in the capital.

Cork’s orbital route corresponds roughly to the outline of the city centre island area.

The signs are colour-coded blue and white. The system works as follows:

Each junction on the orbital route has a unique number, J1, J2, J3, and up to J26, signifying junction numbers.

These numbers are displayed in a blue rectangle at the top of each sign.

When driving on the orbital route, the signs have a blue background.

As you approach the orbital route, the signs have a white background.

The orbital route starts where the N8/N25 meets the south side of Michael Collins Bridge on Anderson’s Quay.

The signs direct motorists south to the junction of the South Link Road and Eglinton Street, westwards along George’s Quay, up Sullivan’s Quay, north over the river on to Washington Street and west as far as UCC’s main gates.

The route then turns city-bound along Dyke Parade as far as the rear of the Court House, left onto Grattan Street and then right, along the quays, to Michael Collins Bridge to complete the loop.

The system is designed to direct motorists to and from major national and regional routes and to on-street and multi-storey car parking facilities.

Shopping areas, educational and historical centres like the Huguenot Quarter and UCC, as well as hospitals, are also indicated.

City bosses said the new signs should redirect unnecessary traffic away from the city, alleviate congestion levels and improve the overall environment.

Bus, cycle and pedestrian priority will also be improved, they said.

The council has produced a brochure and map outlining the system. They will be available from car-hire companies, hotels and all tourist offices soon.