Gardaí on alert to ease gridlock

Gardaí say they are closely monitoring traffic flows in Cork City in a bid to manage rush-hour bottlenecks caused by two major projects.

Significant diversions came into effect yesterday following the weekend closure of Brian Boru Bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The bridge will remain closed for a month for refurbishment.

And a contra-flow system has been introduced along the South City Link Road to facilitate an ESB cable upgrade.

Two Fitzpatrick’s Recovery tow-trucks will also be on standby along the road in the event of a break-down blocking either lane.

A garda spokesman said extra units have been deployed in key areas to keep traffic moving.

Traffic flow is being carefully monitored via the city’s CCTV system which will allow gardaí to respond to bottlenecks as and where they arise, he said.

He urged motorists to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station if particular difficulties emerge in specific locations.

Brian Boru Bridge will remain closed until 6am on Aug 20.

Motorists have been warned to expect extra traffic on Horgan’s Quay and on the Blackpool bypass approaching the Christy Ring Bridge.

Cars, buses and trucks coming from MacCurtain St and St Luke’s will have to divert around Kent Railway Station.

The South Link road will remain closed outbound between Old Station Rd and Mick Barry Rd until Aug 26 with a contra-flow system in operation.

ESB Networks is upgrading the critical, high-voltage, 110kV cable between Marina generating station on Centre Park Road, and the Trabeg 110kV station on South Douglas Road.

The overlapping projects have been timed to take place during school summer holidays.