Image: https://connachttribune.ieAnyone who's driven in peak hour Galway traffic knows the pain
A new plan for a €600 million ring road to be built around Galway city is set to be discussed by cabinet, reports the The Irish Times.
A memo relating to the proposed ring road said it will “reduce congestion in the city by segregating cross-city traffic from urban traffic."
The proposed ring road would involve a new bridge and viaduct over the River Corrib and two short tunnels to be built on on the city’s east side.
While 18km link between the east and west of the city is also being proposed - this new route would start as a 6km-long single carriageway west of Barna and continue via Ballymoneen Road in Knocknacarra to Letteragh, where it would become a dual carriageway.
The remaining 12km of the dual carriageway section will run through Dangan sports facilities at NUI Galway (NUIG) and cross the river 200m south of Menlo Castle.
The second tunnel is planned to the north of Galway racecourse at Ballybrit and the route then links up with the M6 terminus at Coolagh roundabout.
A total of 44 houses would be required to be demolsihed if the plans to due to fruition.
If Cabinet approve of these plans, Galway County Council will submit the proposed scheme to An Bord Pleanála.
Long awaited
Commenting on today’s announcement, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD said:
“I am delighted to recommend that this vitally important ring road be advanced.
The people of Galway have long awaited this decision and will benefit hugely from it. The project is a key component of the Galway Transport Strategy.
It will provide a national road corridor around Galway city centre removing unnecessary through traffic and allow for the public transport network to function efficiently.
This development will make public transport more attractive for daily commuters and crucially, it will make Galway roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
