Traffic study for Wicklow town enters crucial phase as gridlock reaches crisis point
The Wicklow PeopleThe long-awaited traffic study in Rathdrum is going out to public consultation from this week.
The study was first launched in 2022 and an initial review in 2023 identified the key area of concern is the Main Street between the Square at Centra and the junction at the car park beside Jacob’s Well.
The consultant expressed concern in that addressing the issue on the Main Street, it could push the problems to other areas, in particular Lower Street.
The consultant then recommended that further studies of the Lower Street junction with the R-752 were carried out to ensure that the best solution to alleviate the conditions on the Main Street could be identified without compromising other areas in the town.
Additional work has been ongoing to ensure any solutions proposed take an holistic approach to the traffic in the town as a whole, and will not compromise the safety of road users or residents by solving the problem in one area and creating a new problem elsewhere.
In December 2023, unanimous support was given for a new pedestrian crossing, which was assessed as part the study.
Over three years since the project first launched, members of the public will finally be able to have their say on the proposals which will go out for consultation over the Christmas period.
Responding to a query from Cllr Pat Kennedy at the November district meeting, district engineer Avril Hill indicated the initial plans will be submitted to the council for review on November 20, with the consultation period to follow for several weeks into the new year
“Once the consultation window closes, we then plan to begin assessing submissions in February 2026 with the aim of presenting plans for members to vote on the following month.”
Cllr Kennedy believes the plans will be a welcome improvement for those living and working in the area.
“People are crying out for this; it must happen on schedule. The town can’t cope any longer, we have records from emergency services on how they are being impacted.
“It’s important that funding is ringfenced for the project and not drip-fed.” he added.
Cllr Kennedy expressed the importance of allowing the public to have their say on the plan.
“The town can’t enter another summer season in its current state. A business case is also needed; funding should be made available to carry out a report on that too.”
In response Ms Hill said the success of phase one of the project will help to determine how much funding will be required.