City junction job takes a bad turn
Commuters, whether on public or private transport, have suffered patiently in anticipation of the end result.
Part of these works is the installation of a quality bus corridor (QBC) and it is this feature, or at least part of it, that will have an effect quite the opposite of what is intended with taxpayers’ money being poured into a scheme that will benefit no one.
The residents are not being critical in their own interests. Most walk or use public transport. Our concern is for the users of the road.
The residents, when informed of the plans for a QBC and some loss of parking, understood the need for better and quicker public transport for commuters.
The one feature in particular that causes concern is the widening of the footpaths at the inbound bus stops adjacent to Burlington Road and near the Baggot Street junction, both of which will constrict traffic flow.
We are informed that this is to allow buses to pull back into traffic flow more easily. We understand that the central and, at that point, continuous white line will be repositioned towards the outbound footway.
That leaves a problem with the central island at the junction which, if left in its present position, forces traffic back into the present outside lane and, if moved, will worsen an already difficult turn into Waterloo Road for buses and large vehicles coming from Pembroke Road. Many residents walk this route at peak hours and can see just how traffic flows - or doesn’t.
However well intentioned this design may be, there is still time to remove the obstructions before the road is resurfaced. Engineers on site have been highly critical of the design they are obliged to implement.
If this feature is so essential, then why is it not being repeated at the other end of the road for outbound traffic. The same parameters apply, with the No 8 bus in particular having to change lanes for its onward journey.
Our local TD, Justice Minister Michael McDowell, pointed out in his letter to the deputy city engineer that “it would be a terrible pity if taxpayers’ money was spent on a traffic scheme which turned out to worsen things very considerably at this busy junction”.
Another feature of the scheme is the replacement of lampposts, presumably a necessity. Our delightful cast iron posts are being replaced with galvanised steel posts more suited to an industrial estate. This is in the heart of a prime conservation area.
Why should residents be required to conform to the sensitivities of a conservation area - and we are happy to do so - while the local authority does not? It is not too late to get it right, so let’s see some action, please.
Donald H Finlay
Chairman
Upper Leeson Street AreaResidents’ Association
50 Waterloo Road
Dublin 4
