New crossing points go live on north Wicklow dual carriageway
The Wicklow PeopleA new era of road safety has officially arrived in Greystones after the completion of a major safety overhaul along the R774 dual carriageway in Charlesland. The project represents a fundamental shift in how the local community interacts with its most significant artery, following years of local advocacy.
Describing the completion as a “major step forward for pedestrian and road safety”, Cllr Stephen Stokes commended Wicklow County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) for bringing the ambitious infrastructure project to fruition.
The upgrades are designed to tame a stretch of road that has, for decades, been perceived as a high-speed barrier between residential estates and the town’s essential services.
The project’s completion also marks the end of a long-standing battle for the Charlesland Residents Association (CRA). For over a decade, the association has been vocal about the "unacceptable" state of the corridor, at one point refusing a council proposal to take over the road’s maintenance, because the local authority lacked the funds to manage its complex roundabouts and landscaping.
Historically, the CRA was instrumental in highlighting that required safety features were missing. As far back as 2009, the association presented planning drawings proving that two traffic signal crossings and two zebra crossings promised in the original 2003 masterplan were never built.
The completed works, funded through the Pathfinder Scheme, have finally addressed these historical gaps. The project introduced a series of high-spec toucan crossings—signal-controlled points that allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross simultaneously. These are located near major junctions and the Charlesland Shopping Centre.
Beyond the lights, engineers implemented a road tightening strategy at five key roundabouts: Mill Road, Kilfernoc, The Glen, Ballynerrin, and Knockroe. By narrowing the wide entry and exit radii, the council has forced a natural reduction in vehicular speed, making it safer for active travel users.
With an investment exceeding €1.2 million, the Charlesland upgrades serve as a blueprint for how car-centric infrastructure can be retrofitted for a sustainable future. Cllr Stokes’ remarks underscore the community's relief that the R774 is now a community-integrated corridor.
Cllr Stephen Stokes actively campaigned for the acceleration of the project, having challenged delays repeatedly at full council meetings over recent months.
The carriageway serves a growing residential area, with high volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on a daily basis. The enhanced crossings provide improved visibility, clearer signalling, and safer access between neighbourhoods, schools, and local amenities. Cllr Stokes acknowledged the cooperation of residents and stakeholders who supported the campaign to fast-track the works.
Cllr Stokes believes the progress shows what can be achieved when the community works together.
“I want to thank residents for their patience during construction and for continuing to highlight the need for improved safety. I will always advocate strongly for projects that protect and enhance our local area.”
Cllr Stokes reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to work with council officials and the NTA to identify further opportunities to improve infrastructure and road safety across the district.