Frustration at Green Bridge

The infuriating traffic light sequences at Mullingar’s Green Bridge – and the confusion motorists turning towards the Green Road experience – were spelt out in detail for councillors from the Mullingar area at their November meeting.

Councillors heard that traffic coming from the railway station has to wait too long to get through the lights.

In addition, delays are caused due to the fact that the pedestrian lights come on even when there are no pedestrians.

The lack of a filter light towards the Green Road means motorists from both the town centre and the railway station halt on the bridge, when in fact they are free to turn right.

The points were made by John O’Neill, one of three members of the Mullingar Community and Voluntary Area Forum who attended the meeting to make submissions to councillors on a range of local issues.

The forum is suggesting that the sequencing be improved; that a right-turn filter be installed; that more time be allocated to traffic approaching from the railway station, and that the pedestrian lights be set to come on only when activated by a pedestrian.

Mr O’Neill also asked that a second bus stop be provided in Castle Street, on the opposite site to the current bus stop, and he went on to express concern that vehicles using the roundabout at the cathedral take a short cut, and fail to make the proper manoeuvre, thereby endangering other road users at that location. He said the forum’s suggested solution was the erection of prominent signage, and renewed markings, and that the council encourage the gardaí to monitor the issue.

Similarly, improved signage and road markings are required, the forum believes, on the Grove Street approach to the Blackhall roundabout.

A further issue in the town centre, he continued, was the lack of a set-down area outside Doctor Dalton’s surgery, close to the garda station, something also affecting the provision of meals on wheels at St Dominick’s.

The final traffic issue raised by the forum with councillors related to the traffic lights at Nugent’s Corner. Mr O’Neill said there is insufficient time given to traffic heading out of town attempting to turn right from Austin Friars Street towards Millmount. The forum is suggesting the provision of a filter light there.