Galway commuters face worsening traffic after road improvement works, councillor says

Works began in April on the Parkmore junction under wider N83 improvement works. The changes cut back the filter lane near Medtronic and narrowed each lane to separate them, leading to traffic build-up. The turning lane on Tuam Road for larger trucks was also shortened. The new layout has caused major daily traffic delays and widespread frustration for workers, businesses, and local residents. The junction sits near major business parks and frequently serves commuting staff to industrial and MedTech buildings with shifts across a 24-hour cycle. Galway County Council engineers are reviewing the changes after consultation with the Cathaoirleach, with follow-up planned in the coming weeks.

"In April, works began on the Parkmore junction under wider improvement works on the N83. However according to Cllr Forde, the works have worsened traffic. The outcome of the works have resulted in cutting back the filter lane near Medtronic and narrowing each lane to separate them. This has resulted in a build up of traffic, Cllr Forde said."

"In addition, the Fine Gael councillor said that the turning lane on Tuam Road for larger trucks has been shortened. "The new layout is causing major daily traffic delays and widespread frustration for workers, businesses and local residents," he told the Irish Independent."

"Cllr Forde has consulted with Galway County Council Cathaoirleach David Collins to understand if there is a solution to mediate the traffic build up. Taking the situation to Galway County Council engineers, Cllr Collins committed to following up with the review the "disaster changes" in the coming weeks."

"Most importantly, Cllr Forde said, is the area is frequently used by commuting staff to Galway's key industrial and MedTech buildings, whose shifts vary throughout a 24-hour cycle. "This junction was functioning perfectly well before these changes were introduced," Cllr Forde said. "Unfortunately, the alterations carried out by county engineers are now causing serious delays every single day for people trying to get to work and return home.""

Read at Irish Independent