Notorious Wexford bend ‘widened and resurfaced’ as council seeks to address number of serious accidents there

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Safety works on one of Co Wexford’s most notorious bends have been completed by the local council following a number of serious accidents there. Leeches Bend in Clonroche has long been a source of concern for Wexford County Council (WCC) due to its poor sight lines and narrow turning points.

However, the speed limit at the section of road leading up to the bend has now been reduced and it has been widened and resurfaced to reduce risks for motorists.

Thanking district engineer David Murphy and director of services Eamonn Hore for their efforts in getting the works over the line, local councillor John Fleming said he is hopeful this will bring an end to the number of traffic accidents at Leeches Bend, however, he has now called for further safety works in the village.

“A few months ago I asked for a review of Clonroche, that review has taken place and a report has been sent to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for assessment,” he said. ”Hopefully that review will be passed and funding will be made available for additional works.”

Specifying the areas he would like to see work take place at next, Cllr Fleming highlighted the T-junction at Hammel’s Centra.

“It’s so dangerous, you can’t see traffic coming there,” he said. “The road from the old post office towards the service station needs a centre island badly, it’s especially dangerous for older people. Also, the speed limit in front of the Provender Mill is 80km/ph which is too fast with so many lorries going in and out.”