Section 38: Junction improvements at Sandville Cross, Newtown, Co. Limerick

Hi,

I believe this design offers only a slight improvement in safety and fails to address three major concerns I have as both a user of this junction and a resident of Peafield Road.

• Firstly, drivers travelling along the L-113 barely need to deviate from their path to navigate the junction. Unless the rise to the raised platform is considerable, drivers may still be able to maintain excessive speed through the junction.
• Secondly, drivers turning left onto Peafield Road L-1113 from Newtown Mews L-5122 still enter the junction at a shallow angle, even with the road narrowing. This does little to force drivers to stop at the junction or even slow down. Additionally, drivers must look over their right shoulder to spot oncoming traffic, creating a particularly hazardous situation for cyclists who may end up in a blind spot or be unable to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen.
• Furthermore, from what I can see, no consideration has been given to how pedestrians navigate the junction. There are no pedestrian crossings, and all the additions to tighten the junctions are covered in grass, forcing pedestrians away from the junction to cross. Surely pedestrians should be considered if the goal is to make the junction safer.

My preference would be for a roundabout at this location, with sufficient consideration taken for both pedestrians and cyclists. My preference aside, I still don't think this proposed design should go ahead for the reasons I offered above. I don't think it will be a good return on investment, and I don't think it will make the road safer than the current layout, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

Regards,
James Brady

We, the undersigned, live on Peafield road. We have noticed a huge increase in the volume and speed of traffic recently. We understand that Limerick Co Co have already done a survey of traffic volumes on this road, which proves that the volumes are very high especially at peak times. 

Walking from our houses up towards Monaleen stores is extremely dangerous as there is no footpath and a very dangerous bend.There have been several near accidents on this part of the road as it is used as a shortcut from the dual carriageway to the University and Castletroy.

There are several children living on this part of the road and no doubt more with 3 of the derelict houses on the roads being renovated.

A roundabout is needed at Monaleen stores as it is extremely difficult to enter Peafield road due to the volume of traffic.

We would appreciate it if you would bear this submission in mind, when finalising your plans.

We are very grateful to Limerick Co Co for the footpath that has already been put in but it need to be extended badly.

Yours sincerely Tim and Peg O Malley

As daily frequent users of Peafield Road we feel that the proposed safety improvement scheme at Sandville cross is insufficient.

The proposed junction tightening will not sufficiently slow down traffic at this very busy intersection. Due to the volume and speed of traffic passing through this junction we feel that the proposed junction tightening measures is a waste of money and will still leave safety issues for all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Sandville Junction is particularly chaotic at school times with large volumes of cars trying to turn. At these times it is also very dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross the road. We feel that pedestrians were given no consideration in the proposal 

We believe the only obvious way to manage traffic at this junction is to put in a roundabout that will slow down the traffic effectively. 

Dear LCC

We, the undersigned residents of Peafield Road, have observed a significant increase in both the volume and speed of traffic in recent years. This has raised growing safety concerns, particularly as this section of the road is home to several young children—a number that is expected to rise as three previously derelict houses are currently being renovated.

We believe a roundabout at the Monaleen Stores junction is urgently needed for the following reasons:

1. To reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

2. To improve traffic flow during peak hours. The current layout causes serious congestion, as many drivers use this route as a shortcut to the dual carriageway and the University of Limerick.

We respectfully ask that these concerns be carefully considered in the final design of the junction. A well-planned roundabout would address both safety and traffic efficiency concerns for the growing number of residents and road users in the area.

Kind regards,

Kevin & Orla Grant 

Dear Limerick County Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Peafield Road, wish to express our growing concerns regarding the significant increase in both the volume and speed of traffic along our road in recent years. These changes have heightened safety risks, particularly as the area is home to many young children — a number set to rise in the coming months with the renovation of three formerly derelict houses.

We strongly believe that the installation of a roundabout at the Monaleen Stores junction is urgently required for the following reasons:

• To calm traffic speeds and enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

• To improve traffic flow during peak hours. The current road layout results in severe congestion, as many drivers use this route as a shortcut to the dual carriageway and the University of Limerick.

We respectfully urge that these concerns be taken into full consideration during the planning and final design of the junction. A thoughtfully designed roundabout would significantly improve both safety and traffic efficiency for the increasing number of residents and commuters in the area.

Yours sincerely,
Juliet & Tomas Coman