Update on efforts to resolve Mayo N60 junction controversy
Efforts to resolve a row between Mayo County Council and the residents of Balloor in Castlebar are ongoing.
Residents are seeking ‘a formal review' of a controversial junction linking the L5759 Balloor Road and N60 Breaffy Road.
They have asked Castlebar Municipal District councillors to assist them 'in ensuring that the roads office undertakes a formal review of the junction design with a view to implementing appropriate engineering controls that eliminate or reduce identified hazards and achieve an acceptable level of residual risk'.
A letter emailed to councillors, signed by five residents, stated: "The road designer has a duty of care to undertake a robust risk assessment of the proposed junction to ensure the revised layout does not introduce any new or increased risk to road users. In our opinion the current proposal does introduce a new and/or heightened level of risk for all users of the junction.
"It would be a deeply regrettable outcome if an accident were to occur and it was subsequently determined, through legal proceedings, that the revised junction design was a contributing factor.
"Our primary concern is the management and mitigation of risk for all categories of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists."
Residents say a bespoke site specific solution is required at the location.
Now, in response, the head of Castlebar Municipal District, David Mellett, has provided an update on the current position regarding the Balloor junction following recent engagements between the National Roads Office, residents, and the council.
THe stated: "he Roads Office has outlined the broader context within which the project has been developed, much of which was referenced during last week’s site meeting.
"The active travel scheme has gone through a comprehensive assessment, planning, design, and approvals process, guided by the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland, which places a strong emphasis on supporting Active Travel options.
"As this section of the route lies within a 60kph zone, the design is required to comply with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
"The project has also completed two Road Safety Audits, and the junction layout has been modelled to ensure that all required vehicle movements can be safely accommodated within the approved design.
"While the Roads Office has carefully considered the issues raised at the recent on-site meeting, any adjustments must remain consistent with the established design parameters and safety requirements.
"Within this context, a number of targeted measures are now being progressed in response to concerns raised by elected members and local residents:
1. Balloor Road Widening (South of Junction)
A section of the Balloor Road, south of the junction and along the western boundary, is currently being widened.
This will improve access and visibility on the approach and will include revised road markings to provide clearer definition of the layout.
2. Minor Works at the Interface with the R308
The contractor will carry out minor improvement works at the transition point between the Balloor Road and the R308. These works aim to mitigate the impact of the existing camber for vehicles joining the R308 and will be completed in conjunction with the resurfacing of the cycle lane.
3. Review of Kerb Alignment
Once the widening works in item (i) are completed, the Roads Office will review the kerb alignment on the southern approach to the junction to consider whether some localised refinements may be achievable within the overall, already-approved junction layout and width.
"These actions reflect the concerns raised during the meetings held with residents in December and January, and are being advanced within the scope of the existing project, its statutory approvals, and the required design and safety processes," added Mr. Mellett.